celebrate summer
The sweetness of spring soon slips from our memory as summer makes an entrance. She comes with a fanfare of color and warmth and demands our attention, taking center stage upon the Earth, like a carnival queen. She is resplendent and ready to inspire with a riot of hues at her fingertips.
Sometimes summer takes a softer approach, gradually filtering into view, curling golden rays of light between the drapes to tempt us out of our beds and to our feet. Her warmth is energizing as it seeps into the skin, easing weary bones and soothing aching ligaments, illuminating the core and easing heartache. Summer is an elixir which promises youth and vitality if you will only step into the light.
a riot of color
The land, too, benefits from the touch of summer, responding in kind to reveal an inner glow. Like a child cajoled and bathed in love, it visibly brightens, reaching upward for more. It instinctively knows that the season is here to nurture and entertain. The flowers, which have been waiting for her presence, open up and drink in her affection. Their petals extend outward to reveal the beating heart of the bloom, and the scent that sings from each flower head draws new admirers. Gossamer-winged butterflies dance to the tune of summer, and rejoice at her return, for it is beneath the sun that they finally find succor. Bees, too, enjoy the vibrant seasonal energy, their wings vibrating as they go about their business, drawn by the beauty of each newly opened bloom and the nectar that hides within. Trees seem to stand ever taller, enjoying their moment in the spotlight. A symbol of strength and power, it is their time to flourish. And so the mutual adoration goes on, as summer blends with the environment in her unique way.
"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time."
John Lubbock
Remember, this is the vacation season. Whether you're going away to sunnier climes or treating yourself to a staycation, it's important to stop, take some time out for yourself, and let the vitality of your surroundings fill you up with joy. Self-pampering may not come naturally, but it's vital to your well-being, and this is the perfect point of the year to focus on you. Take your cue from wildlife and use this time to have fun and restore body and soul.
It is at the pinnacle of the year that peace is abundant. Even in the heaviest heat, a stillness can be found, for while the warmth may have weight which presses down upon your brow, it has a lesson too. It urges you to linger, to give in to the moment, and cease rushing, saying: "Relax, measure your breath while you can, and revel in each minute." There is no need for haste when summer's charms abound. This is the season to dawdle, to take a lengthy approach to everything. Regard the fiery orb that illuminates the sky as your personal charger and absorb those rays deeply. Open your heart and mind to the serenity of the sun and let it fill you with buoyancy. Do not rush to use it up-this is your chance to recharge and let the season calm your soul. Take your lead from the landscape, which is not hurried by the light but restored to its full potential. Lean back and let the earth support you, and make the most of each day of brightness, for like anything in life, it will not last forever.
relax, recharge, revitalize
On the following pages, you will learn how to work with the revitalizing energy of this season. You will discover how summer can help you relax to the very core of your being. Even if the heat is intense, you will find tranquility by doing simple techniques and exercises to slow body and mind and enjoy the stillness. You will reap the benefits of being outside, as and when it is safe, and how to channel the power of the sun to fuel your dreams and desires. You will discover a renewed enthusiasm for each day, and you will learn to see the beauty in yourself, which in turn brings out the beauty in others. Summer can help you shine your light with confidence, while bringing a deeper sense of peace and acceptance. As you work on your self-esteem, you will experience the harmony that comes from being comfortable in your own skin and knowing who you are. This will carry you forward and create a sense of balance. You will embrace the freedom of the season and be able to enjoy nature's gifts, which in turn will help you feel content. Summer, and all that it brings, offers you the opportunity to unwind and loosen any shackles that have been holding you in place. It is your time to grow and glow.
SUMMER WATCH
If you only do one thing this summer, ensure you take plenty of time out to rest and absorb the glorious rays of the sun. Most of us spend the year rushing around in a whirl of activity, but this is the chance to step off that wheel and do something for you. Restoring yourself means you help others too, because rest helps you to become more effective and dynamic. So, have an afternoon siesta, read that book, or treat yourself to some beauty pampering.
WEEK 14
wake up to summer
There's something joyful and serene about watching the sunrise. Being present in that moment, when the rising sun heralds the start of the day, is a gift of nature.
A sunrise is a sacred moment in time that you can share with nature and also an opportunity for you to be still and present. A sunrise is not something to be hurried or slotted in between other tasks.
It's not always possible to witness this marvel at other times of the year, especially when you have other commitments and you're working to a schedule. But in the summer, when the sun rises so early, you can make time to be part of the dawn of a new day.
this weekend WATCH THE SUN RISE
Set your alarm and prepare what you need the night before. You might want to take a blanket with you, and a pen and journal.
On the morning of the sunrise, choose a spot with a view. This could be in your backyard, local park, or on a hill out in the countryside. Sit, make sure you are comfy, and relax. Let your surroundings inspire you. This is the perfect time to set intentions for the day or even the month ahead, which you can write in your journal.
As the sun begins to rise, notice how it lights up the sky and brings the landscape to life. See the different colors and notice, too, any sounds. Perhaps you can hear the birds tweeting in the distance or the gentle rustle of tiny creatures in the undergrowth.
Pay attention to your breathing. Inhale the sweetness of a fresh new day and say "I am filled with light and love." Let the stillness settle in your chest as you connect with nature.
visualization TURN UP THE WARMTH
If you're lucky you'll see some sunshine during the summer months and that will put a positive and soothing spin on each day. Even if you don't, you can still feel the warmth within by turning up your inner glow. This is a simple technique that you can do at any point during the day when you need a positive boost, or to disengage and feel relaxed.
Step 1: Place both hands on your lower belly (the space below your navel). Position them palm on top of palm.
Step 2: Close your eyes and visualize a small, golden flower beneath your hands. Feel the gentle warmth it radiates.
Step 3: Take a long, slow breath in. As you exhale, imagine the flower growing bigger and brighter. Feel the heat increase as it gently blooms.
Step 4: Continue to focus on the warmth and your breath. Imagine the flower traveling up through your body, filling your stomach and chest with soothing energy. Feel it glide up your throat, into your head, and into the space behind your eyes. Breathe in the light and let the calmness settle within.
Step 5: Finally, imagine that the flower passes through the top of your head, where it fully opens and extends its petals, bathing you in a golden glow of positive energy.
WEEK 15
get summer ready
At this time of year, we expose more of ourselves to the world. We spend lots of time outdoors with friends and family, and we're also likely to shed the layers if the sun is shining. This makes summer the perfect season to say "yes" to who you are, and fully accept yourself.
For some, the summer can be a difficult time. Being so open and "out there" can make us feel vulnerable and self-conscious. We have a tendency to put the good stuff to the back of our minds and focus on all the things we've done wrong. To restore balance and help you feel loved, set some time aside to "appreciate my inner beauty and feel at peace with who I am." This mantra will help boost self-esteem, which in turn makes you feel more relaxed and composed. When you learn to do this, you feel a greater sense of peace because you're comfortable in your own skin.
this week CREATE A COMPLIMENT JAR
How many compliments do you receive? You probably find this question hard to answer because you brush them off or forget them. Set some time aside each evening this week to make a compliment jar that will restore the balance-remember all the things you can do and celebrate all the wonderful things about you. Keep adding to the jar every day. Choose a compliment every time you need...
