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

Dec 31, 2025

As winter embraces us, the sacred pause of the solstice shines a light on stillness amidst chaos. Reflecting on impermanence, the beauty of life's renewals, and the weight of sorrow, the conversation explores the importance of tenderness in our connections. Jack invites listeners to ponder their last day—who to call and what to express—infusing each moment with love and mindfulness. Through acts of generosity and remembering small kindnesses, we can find meaning and joy, all while keeping the spirit of stillness alive.

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INSIGHT

Solstice As Sacred Pause

The winter solstice offers a sacred pause amid cultural busyness and distraction.
Jack Kornfield says stillness reveals impermanence and opens inner reflection.

INSIGHT

Stillness Reveals Our Burden

Sitting still exposes how much of life's joys and sorrows we carry.
Jack Kornfield links this awareness to the Buddhist teaching of impermanence.

ANECDOTE

Holotropic Breathwork Sessions

Jack recounts working with Stanislav Grof on holotropic breathwork and intense group breathing.
He describes rooms of people birthing, dying, and experiencing visions during the practice.

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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.

Jack’s new book is out now!: All in This Together: Stories and Teachings for Loving Each Other and Our World

“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.

About Jack Kornfield:

Jack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in the monasteries of Thailand, India, and Burma, studying as a monk under the Buddhist master Ven. Ajahn Chah, as well as the Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw. He has taught meditation internationally since 1974 and is one of the key teachers to introduce Buddhist mindfulness practice to the West. Jack co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, with fellow meditation teachers Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein and the Spirit Rock Center in Woodacre, California. His books have been translated into 20 languages and sold more than a million copies.

Jack is currently offering a wonderful array of transformational online courses diving into crucial topics like Mindfulness Meditation Fundamentals, Walking the Eightfold Path, Opening the Heart of Forgiveness, Living Beautifully, Transforming Your Life Through Powerful Stories, and so much more. Sign up for an All Access Pass to explore Jack’s entire course library. If you would like a year's worth of online meetups with Jack and fellow community, join The Year of Awakening: A Monthly Journey with Jack Kornfield.

Stay up to date with Jack and his stream of fresh dharma offerings by visiting JackKornfield.com and signing up for his email teachings.

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