Standing Still : Winter Solstice Reflections for Wellbeing

A significant event in my year has been and gone. We have now passed the longest night, and the sun is beginning to move back in the Southern Hemisphere to shine its light once again. The Winter Solstice has occurred.

What does this mean?

The word solstice literally translates to “sun standing still.”

At the Winter Solstice, the sun’s journey reaches its lowest point in the sky and appears to come to a visual halt. For a few days, the sun seems to pause — “standing still” — before it begins to reverse direction. The tilt of the Earth on its axis has reached its turning point, and its cycle begins again.

Walking the Talk

The winter months are the optimal time to practise “standing still” — to snuggle up, stay warm, comfortable, and take a little time out for yourself.

So how do we thrive in winter? In yoga and other philosophies, there is a reminder that our wisdom lies within. You are the only one who lives in your body, so only you can truly hear its messages if you take the time to listen.

Giving ourselves permission to stop. Retraining ourselves to step away from external distractions and simply be with ourselves.

Can we trust our inner self?

Yes — but we may first need to sift through the untrue stories we have told ourselves, release old limiting beliefs and societal programming, to be our authentic selves.

You may need to use movement as medicine because, in order to “stand still,” you may first need to expend energy before becoming still. Physical movement can help release built-up tension. Then the wisdom of the body can integrate this release and move through you by softening, letting go, and becoming still.

The Challenge of Modern Life

The world around us is changing. It’s fast, busy, aggressive - push, push, push. So much information rests at our fingertips.

We might question ourselves:
Who am I?
Why am I here?
Who can answer these questions for me?

There is so much self-help content online. My blog is simply another opinion added to the possible list of answers.

Our attention spans are reducing. We want to know how long it will take to read a blog before we even begin. Short, sharp, fast, attention-grabbing seems to be what it’s all about.

Yet deeper wisdom often comes from the opposite approach.

I have come to the conclusion that I have a conscious choice:
Do I need to rush?
Do I need to make myself busy?

There is a time and a place where rushing may be needed. But can I counterbalance these times by slowing down?

A simple mantra reminds me:

‘There is plenty of time.’

Make time for yourself by deepening and lengthening your breath.

Pause.

Listen.

While I was writing this blog the ‘four sanctuaries’ keep returning to my mind:
Stillness
Silence
Solitude
Simplicity

If we can “stand still,” can we also find silence (it could be an inner silence)?

True silence is not easily achievable unless you're in an anechoic chamber — a purpose-built room designed to absorb sound completely instead of reflecting it.

Our world is noisy, and perhaps the sounds of nature are as close as most of us can get to silence:
Birdsong.
Animals expressing themselves.
Wind through the trees.
Rain on the roof.

These sounds don’t distract us from ourselves; they bring us back.

Tranquillity as a State of Being — and a Place

Tranquillity isn’t just the name of my sanctuary — it’s a way of life.

Here, among the trees and gentle silence, I have witnessed transformation in those who simply allow themselves to stop.

The body softens.

The mind quiets.

The face smooths and begins to shine.

The spirit begins to rise again.

Resist the need to keep pushing.

Healing isn’t something we force. It’s something we allow.

Begin Today

As always, I ask:

What would happen if you gave yourself the gift of time today?

Simply a few minutes of stillness. Longer if you can.

Try it.

Give yourself permission.

It’s okay to stop.

No phone.
No task.
No agenda.

If guilt arises, challenge that thought.

Just you, your breath, and the quiet knowing that in doing less, you may actually receive more.

Life is about finding balance.

The Winter Solstice reminds us that even the sun appears to pause before changing direction. Perhaps we can learn from that wisdom too.

If you’re ready to embrace stillness and reconnect with yourself, I’d love to welcome you to Tranquillity for Wellness. Whether you’re seeking a private wellness session, an online restorative practice, or gather together a small group of friends for a unique soulful mini-retreat in Wairarapa, New Zealand. There is a space here for you to slow down, breathe and simply Be.

The invitation is simple:

Slow down.

Be still.

Trust your inner wisdom.

And remember - there is plenty of time.

The Willow tree is now completely bare - it echoes the solstice message of standing tall and still