As we tiptoe towards solstice, the days and nights change length about to ‘tip over’ to the other side, I find myself contemplating stillness. Its power, beauty, simplicity and its importance.
For this is the time of year, whether in the north or south, that the Sun “stands still” on the horizon at sunset and sunrise on solstice. It takes a pause and turns the other way. What a miraculous moment, and one that often goes unnoticed.
This time around, we invite you to “take a moment” to notice the world turning. Pivoting on its tilt.
Just like the pause between out-breath and in-breath (winter), and between in-breath and out-breath (summer), there is such pleasure in witnessing the pause. The space between doing. There is nothing to “do” to ensure the next breath, the next season. Life breathes us, as it is breathing our seasons.
“Go, now, and sit upon the Earth. Let all your animality come forward, and listen. Let any precipitation wash away your amnesia, and feel yourself remembered by the land’s embrace. Dream forth a ceremony where you say yes to Mystery, and ask for its guidance in where to begin.” Tempist Jade
* American Oak in Winter, Anaiwan Country, Australia. Photo: Eshana Bragg
Here in the southern hemisphere, I love this time of year, the feeling of the darkness and stillness enveloping the forest where I live. The winter birds have arrived: satin bower bird and the noisy pitta weave their magic. And even though my life is still crazy busy, there are precious moments by the fire, mending and repairing, reading, resting … and the sense of mystery and depth as I allow myself and ideas to dissolve into ‘not knowing’. Releasing all that has not come to fruition to drop away and compost into fertile humus for the seasons to come. Finding faith in the fallow.
In this precious pregnant space, I listen. I wait with the seeds of inspiration, new insights and offerings tantalisingly humming with potential. And as I venture out into the world this winter, my face and my animal body seek the sun.
* American Oak in Summer, Anaiwan Country, Australia. Photo: Eshana Bragg
For our friends in the north, in your heat of summer, we invite you too to take a pause, even though the energies of Life are at their zenith. Perhaps more like a day dream, basking in the sun, or resting under a shady tree … as Kirsten Rickert's new poem says
"Was I present
In waiting for the centre
of the open flower
to appear in me?"