Did you know that solstice actually means 'sun still'? Ancient astromers saw it this way - the sun was at the highest or lowest point, and appeared to stand still for a moment.

Winter is meant to be a time of stillness. When I was younger, it seems that way - it was a time of hibernation, of withdrawing from social occasions and letting your leg hair grow and eat far too much to protect oneself against the cold. It was a time of taking stock, of deep reflection, of resetting the soul before the weather got warmer. Some Victorians flew north for the Winter, and there would be times where I would too, defrosting my bones a little, but I staunchly loved Victoria in Winter.

We're currently going through a cold snap here but it's been colder. Ten years ago at the same time, everything was thick with frost. We complain about the cold and at the same time read that it's a warmer than average winter. The ocean is warmer too.

Our house isn't built for the cold. We have pinned blankets on the windows to keep it at bay a little, not being able to afford double glazing. In summer we sweat, in winter we freeze. We aren't rich enough to have a future proof home.

Everything seems too much right now. The earth is literally spinning faster and extreme weather events are happening more frequently. The ground beneath my feet feels unstable.

But on this winter solstice, I turn my face reverently toward the pale sun that shows behind the winter skies. I rub my hands together and breath on them to keep them warm, and they form a prayer of sorts, as I think of you under the same sun that'll rise for you tomorrow for the summer solstice. Whether you're warming yourself by a winter fire or wishing for a cool breeze elsewhere, I wish you happiness and peace on this solstice, with all my chilly heart.