Winter Solstice Reflection Through Walking Therapy
- Tony Waddington
- Dec 19, 2025
- 3 min read
Walking into the light, one mindful step at a time.
The Winter Solstice day arrives quietly, the shortest day, the longest night. The moment the sun seems to pause and then, ever so gently, begin its return. The sun may rest but our spirits keep moving. This Sunday, 21st December marks the shortest day of the year 2025, also known as the winter solstice.
The solstice reminds us that stillness and movement can coexist. It is a day that nature rests, trees stand bare and the earth gathers itself, yet within this pause, life continues, underground, unseen, quietly preparing and there is no better way to meet it than by walking. When we practise walking for reasons other than exercise, like mental health, clarity, stress release and self-care, particularly in winter, we mirror this rhythm. We slow down without stopping, we keep moving gently, kindly, even when energy feels low.
At Stone in My Boot, we believe that movement is medicine, especially when it is slow, intentional and held by nature.
Walking Into the Light
Walk into the light and watch your worries fall behind.
On darker days, our minds often grow louder. Thoughts loop, emotions feel heavier and doom scrolling leads to downward spirals, overthinking and over comparing. Taking a walk outside, stepping out of indoors and LED lights into some natural light and breathing some fresh (even though frosty) winter air can help release these negative, darker thoughts.
As your feet move forward, something shifts. Worries loosen their grip, breath deepens and perspective widens. You don’t need answers, you don’t need to fix anything., you simply need to walk. Also walking can be used as a reflection and not a resolution. Unlike New Year’s resolutions, the winter solstice walks ask nothing of us except honesty. This is reflection without pressure and healing without hurry. Winter Solstice is a beautiful reminder that even the darkest days give way to returning light.
Winter walking has its own quiet magic.
Why Walking Therapy Works So Well in Winter
Walking therapy isn’t about fitness goals or clocking miles, it is about presence, noticing what you are carrying and what you are ready to put down. This is the quiet power of walk and talk therapy, where movement and conversation work together to support emotional healing.
Research consistently shows the benefits of walking for health, walking for wellbeing, and walking for mental health, especially when combined with mindful attention and therapeutic support. Through our nature-based therapy retreats based in the scenic Lake District, walking becomes a moving meditation, a chance to listen inward while being held by the outdoors. In our Lake District based outdoor walk and talk therapy, side-by-side movement often makes it easier to speak honestly. Silence feels comfortable and words arrive only when they are ready.
Our walking therapy sessions, walking retreats and mindful walking experiences allow space for both reflection and renewal. You are not required to be upbeat or productive, just be present.
Walking Together: From Solo Steps to Shared Paths
Whether you are drawn to walk and talk mental health sessions, walking therapy retreats, mindful walking retreats or simply an intentional wellbeing walk, you don’t have to walk alone. Walking creates connection with nature, with others and with yourself.
This Winter Solstice, consider this your invitation:
Wrap up warm, step outside, let your pace slow one mindful step at a time. Discover walking therapy and nature-based emotional wellbeing and healing experiences with Stone in My Boot. Designed to support anxiety, seasonal depression, trauma and emotional healing through movement, nature and connection.
Let the light find you, not all at once, but gradually.
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