Heart Wisdom – Ep. 313 – Winter’s Sacred Pause: Standing Still in a Turning World

Sign up for Jack's free email teachings

As we fully enter the winter season, Jack reflects on the ancient meaning of solstice—the standing still—and what becomes possible when we allow ourselves to pause. In a world shaped by speed, grief, and uncertainty, he invites us into stillness as a sacred act.

YouTube video


“To be able to come together and not do anything is an extraordinary thing in our culture and our time.” –Jack Kornfield

In this episode, Jack explores:
  • The sacred meaning of the winter solstice
  • Stillness as a spiritual practice
  • Impermanence and the uncertainty of human life
  • Holding grief and beauty at the same time
  • Birth, death, and remembering what truly matters


“Imagine this is your last day. Who would you call? What would you say? And why are you waiting?” –Jack Kornfield, reflecting on a teaching from Stephen Levine

This Dharma Talk originally took place in Dec 2025 for the Spirit Rock Monday Night Dharma Talk and Guided Meditation. Stay up to date with Jack’s upcoming livestreams and events here.
Subscribe to the weekly Heart Wisdom Podcast with Jack Kornfield on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, and explore Jack’s ever-expanding Heart Wisdom Podcast library here on JackKornfield.com
Facebook
Twitter

Related Posts

Heart Wisdom – Ep. 17 – Duncan Part Deux

Jack sits down with, Duncan Trussell for part two of their conversation. To listen to the first part head on over to Duncan’s site. Subscribe

Video: Love in Action

Enjoy this free replay of a remarkable evening of shared teachings during which author and activist Valarie Kaur, mindfulness coach George Mumford, meditation teacher Tara

Turning Toward Our Essence (Part One)

“Who are we, really?” the Zen koans demand, “Who is dragging this body around?” or “What was your original face before your parents were born?”…

Subscribe to Jack's Teachings

Unlock inner peace and clarity with Jack Kornfield’s weekly teachings.
Sign up now to receive exclusive mindfulness insights directly in your inbox.