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# To stand still for a moment
- URL: https://emilymorter.com/to-stand-still-for-a-moment/
- Published: 2022-12-20T14:27:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-14T07:01:20.000Z
- Description: pausing for the solstice, a podcast interview, holiday dates
- Author: Emily Morter
- Tags: Writing

It is the solstice and new moon this week, just before Christmas.  
  
The origin of the word solstice is *sol-* **sun**and *sistere* *\-* **to stand still.** Here in the Southern hemisphere that means the sun has reached it's highest point in the sky and it stands still for a moment on the longest day, before it begins a gradual descent across the sky to shorter days and longer nights.

As the sun stands still, I encourage you to take a moment this week to pause, without any pressure or expectation, just take some time to stop and look forward and back on the year.  
  
Sometimes I visualise this as standing at the top of a mountain... it's a wide view up here and you can see and feel the effort of the climb, and look down the other side to the descent ahead. *What are you carrying forward with you? What will you leave behind? What are you proud of? What challenge or excitement lies ahead?*

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/ec/5dece2dd-1b31-4e64-87f1-1d453618bd9f/content/images/2026/08/summer-solstice-1.jpg)

Summer Solstice collage by me, 2013

### Appreciation

  
I was grateful to be interviewed on my first podcast by Narelle from [Saltwater Songlines ](https://www.saltwatersonglines.com/podcast?ref=emilymorter.com)a few weeks ago. Her curious and wise questions helped me articulate exactly what I do and how it feels when I'm working, and to connect that to the wider field of my learning and life experience.   
  
I'm loving this offering from London osteopath Avni - an online workshop called [Moving Through Loss](https://www.avni-touch.com/moving-through-loss?%5F%5Fs=ctfaq4jzu03wqmig7dxn&ref=emilymorter.com). It's for anyone who is grieving or feeling difficult emotions this holiday season and will be live early this Thursday 22 Dec AEST.  
  
I'm appreciating [this list of reminders](https://hsperson.com/a-brief-reminder-for-the-holidays/?ref=emilymorter.com) for sensitive people during the holiday season.  
  
Most importantly, I am so grateful for your continued support this year. I truly appreciate being able to work in my own authentic way. Thanks for being here and allowing me to be with you at some of your most vulnerable times.  

### Holidays

  
I'm taking a two week break from 20 Dec - 3 Jan. I'll be working flexible hours in January, and increasing my availability as the year goes on. Please contact me directly if you'd like an appointment this month, as I'm switching off online bookings during school holidays.  
  
I look forward to sharing more with you in 2023.  
  
With love,

Emily