21/12/2025
Summer Solstice Meditation
Good morning. As we approach the summer solstice in the southern hemisphere and the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere, it's a time of change. Today marks the beginning of a series of meditations for me—questions and reflections to assist us in resetting and considering these changes that are upon us, not just seasonally, but emotionally and spiritually. The solstice represents growth and evolution.
In the northern hemisphere, it symbolises darkness, the feminine in nature—a time to reflect and uncover our shadow side, and to consider what we need to heal within ourselves, nurtured by the mother: the cosmic mother, the earth mother, our mothers. In the southern hemisphere, the solstice brings extra light; it's the longest day, with the hot sun—a time of masculine energy. It's an opportunity to shine light on things, much like the sun reflecting off the ocean when you're out in a boat. Acknowledge the brightness in your life.
Again, we recognise the change of season and allow ourselves to evolve. This morning, I sat in the cool shade to meditate. My initial thoughts were to feel this gentle breeze because, although it was early, the sun was already hot, I seek out the shade and the cool breeze to sit openly and receive in a very grateful way. The temperature was pleasant on my bare skin. I started breathing in—you know that feeling of breath just under the nose, on the upper lip? Then I shifted into my heart, breathing deeply, doing a body scan to ensure all parts of my body settled to their lowest places. I sat, feeling the wind element—nothing more—the breeze upon me and what it feels like, what it brings. What does it bring for you? The Elements are integral to the seasonal changes.
It is joyful. Then sounds became apparent to me: insects, birds. I can hear the channel-billed cuckoo with its prehistoric screeching in the background right now! I heard the doves near me on the fence, about the same time as I heard the urgency of the rainbow lorikeets passing overhead, the blessing of a laughing kookaburra on the mountain behind me, and some other birds—perhaps honey eaters. Then what became apparent was the buzzing of something going past—a fly. I opened my eyes, observing some wasps and bees on the holy basil.
Suddenly, I became aware of the choir of cicadas rising and falling, rising and falling. It seems like it's summertime in Australia! My feeling returned to the gentle breeze on my body, and I felt the utmost peace. I came to the realisation that I was just so still—it was a beautiful stillness, quiet in my mind, quietly listening. Nature opens the door for this feeling; this contemplation, this meditation seemingly feels like nothingness, but it's really everything we require for calming states and creative ideas, even problem solving. Finding, or actually allowing the stillness and the quietism when we practise in this way is the point. The point is this stillness that we can experience, to quiet the mind, and all the other things, and listen with the heart.
And that is the main point—nature brings us to it. Celebrate the solstice, this time when nature begins once again to move toward more balance in the equinox. And we move with nature—the cusp of change and awakening.
Peace.
