Ep. 315 – Reflections on the Cosmic Dance and a ‘Still Point’ Guided Meditation

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Jan 28, 2026

A guided journey into the still point of the turning world. Reflections on solstice, the music of the spheres, and cosmic perspective. Instructions for embodied presence, breath awareness, and a global sense of interconnectedness. Gentle practices for calming the jaw and mind, naming thoughts, and becoming a loving witness.

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ANECDOTE

A Cosmic Telescope Moment

Jack describes witnessing Venus cross the sun from Mount Tamalpais and feeling the vast cosmic scale around us.
He uses that memory to illustrate how we are participants in a vast, moving cosmic dance.

INSIGHT

Solstice As A Sacred Pause

Jack explains the solstice as a sacred pause where the sun appears to stand still and invites us to pause.
He suggests that standing still lets us perceive things in new and different ways.

ADVICE

Settle Into A Stable Seat

Jack guides listeners to settle into a stable, comfortable seat and close the eyes to begin meditation.
He instructs to take two or three long breaths and let the body soften into the posture.

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Jack opens with reflections on the cosmic dance of life before guiding listeners into a meditation on stillness, breath, and embodied presence. Drawing on ancient imagery and gentle instruction, he invites us to take our seat in the still point of the turning world.

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

In this episode, Jack explores:

The meaning of solstice as a sacred pause
Taking your seat in stillness
The breath as a living, shared process
Becoming the loving witness
Finding harmony with the rhythms of life

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.

“You are being breathed. The earth is breathing you, and the ocean of air is dancing with your body.”–Jack Kornfield

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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