Are You Ready for Summer?
coming soon!
Summer is a bit of a paradox. When I think of summer that old song, “Sum-mer-time and the living is easy!” meanders through my mind, bringing up thoughts of mid-day lemonade on a wrap-around porch or a leisurely picnic in the park. Then, again, the days are longer … consequently I fill my days with piggy-backed activities – weeding the garden, seeing friends, attending events, and yes, walking by the river or hiking in the mountains. How much can I squeeze into these precious daylight hours? Summer is delightfully active!
Summer solstice is at 3:13 am Denver time on Tuesday, June 21st– known as the longest day of the year; it is 5 hours and 38 minutes longer than on the December solstice. As the answer to our thoughts and prayers on any given day, wishing for “more time,” this one shines. Literally.
So what will you do to celebrate?
And how will you spend your longer-than-usual summer days?
One thing we know for sure is that in a blink of time, autumn will come, days will shorten, and summer will be behind us. A little reflection and contemplation go a long way to cultivating a summer of your choosing, filled with quiet and solitude, or fun and laughter shared, or new adventures embarked upon. YOU get to choose . . . what is your heart’s desire?
- Take some time this week to think about it. Even 15 minutes will do!
- “Summer, after all, is a time when wonderful things can happen to quiet people. For those few months, you’re not required to be who everyone thinks you are, and that cut-grass smell in the air and the chance to dive into the deep end of a pool give you a courage you don’t have the rest of the year. You can be grateful and easy, with no eyes on you, and no past. Summer just opens the door and lets you out.” - Deb Caletti
- What would your “best” summer look like? Brainstorm a list of the things you’d like to do …
- Add stars next to the things you’d love to do.
I try to think of things large and small: like having a Cherry Garcia ice cream on a hot day or taking a walk with a friend, visiting a new campground, or attending a music festival. This year, I’ll travel back east to visit my mother, turning 90 on Dec 3rd. We’ve decided to have an un-birthday party in the sweltering heat - much more fun at mom’s lake house, with its boats and paddleboards, and smooth inner tubes that gently bob in the wake of the speed boats going by. Oh! And what about that cool-water shock when we first dive in to take a long swim? I shudder to think how different this family gathering would be if we celebrated when the snow blankets her frozen lake. Brrr.
- If you have a partner or a mate, or any other significant other, check in with them and share thoughts on what to do this summer.
- OK. Now pull out the phones or computers for your schedule, or your physical datebook and see where you can include these ideas, solidifying them into plans. Space them out or group them for a true vacation or stay-cation (those fun things you can do at home).
- Write them in ink! Carve out the time for yourself. Choose you.
Solstice is understood as a time to pause – the word literally means “standing still” and so it can be a time of reflection, letting go of what no longer works for you, and renewing your vital life force energy. Tip: being in nature is a sweet way of drawing in that restorative renewal.
“A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.” – James Dent
Whatever you do this summer, I hope you will make sure its what you want and need to feed your soul. No matter what, may the enduring rays of sunshine warm you and fill your heart with love. May the pure light shine from within you, lighting your path, and guiding your way. May you make the very best of this gift we call summer.
Donna DeNomme is a conscious energy teacher, shamanic healer, and ceremonial facilitator. As a Master Success Coach, Donna has assisted clients since 1987 and was voted Colorado’s “Spiritual Health Guru” by the prestigious 5280 magazine for her innovative healing practices.
Her award-winning, internationally published books, Turtle Wisdom, Ophelia’s Oracle, 8 Keys to Wholeness, and As You Feel, So You Heal: A Write of Passage are consistent best-sellers at our stores. Donna also offers psychic readings and empowerment sessions through For Heaven’s Sake.