Here we are, at the Solstice, the longest day of the year if you are in the Southern Hemisphere or the shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere! Here in my hometown, Brisbane, Australia, it is very warm and humid with a constant summer buzz of cicadas. With this warm summer weather our spirits naturally want to be out, to feel alive, to be moving and celebrating.

For centuries, people have recognised the power of aligning with the annual phases of the sun by honouring and celebrating the Solstices and Equinoxes. The cycle of the Sun represents the annual seasonal rhythm and reflects the natural flow of energy moving inward and outward. There are times to grow, times to pause, times to shed and times to learn.

Aligning ourselves to the rhythms of life can be a wonderful source of optimism, comfort and connection. I find comfort in connecting to and being in connection with rhythms and cycles that support me to flow with life. No matter what arises in our life we can trust that the sun will rise each morning, the moon cycles through its phases, Summer and Winter come and go.

The Summer Solstice represents the transition from action to nourishment. Nourishment is not limited to the food we eat or what we put into our physical body, but includes all that we put into our minds and hearts for our mental, emotional and spiritual growth, health and good condition.

What is needed for your nourishment?
How do you cultivate this in your life?

Here are some ideas for celebrating and honouring this Summer Solstice!

Get out in nature

Feel the sun on your face and skin, notice how your body responds to its warmth. Observe the play of light and shadow. Wonder at the life and nourishment the sun gives. Watch the sunset.

Create a Mandala

Making a mandala of red, yellow and orange flowers is a creative way of connecting to the natural world and celebrating the Sun. The original meaning of mandala is circle, which represents unity and harmony. It can be a very calming and joyful process and can make us more aware of the beauty that surrounds us as you gather together the items for your nature creation. Our backyard has an abundance of fallen Poinciana flowers at the moment, but it was fun discovering what else we could find.

Set an Intention

The Solstice is an energetically charged day and a great time to set an intention for the season ahead. An intention is a short “I am” sentence that captures the positive essence of what you would like to be, create or do. You may like to create an intention around the seasonal themes of nourishment and trust. For example, “I am open to receiving nourishment.” “I am building trust in my body’s wisdom to heal.”

Yoga Sun Salutations

Practicing Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) increases the vital energy (prana) in your body which helps keep you healthy and helps remove energy blockages. Or you can simply go outside, feet on the grass, take a deep mindful breath in and feel your connection to Mother Earth. On your exhale, stretch your arms up over your head toward the light of the sun, notice how this feels in your body. With each breath, notice if your body wants to move or shift or stretch. Lean into this, there is no right or wrong. You may like to close with a moment of reverence by bringing your palms together to your heart space and taking a moment to feel gratitude and appreciation for something or someone. This is a wonderful way of bringing our awareness into the body and connecting mind, body and spirit. Sound nourishing? Here is a link to a video of Sun Salutations for beginners.

In the upcoming year I am excited to start sharing more ideas to nourish and nurture, along with tips to help you get the most from your tidying journey, as I believe tidying up is one of the most practical and effective pathways to personal transformation. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to me or book a free consultation call to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about starting, continuing or finishing your tidying journey.

With love and gratitude,
Amanda

Photo by Brian Garcia on Unsplash

4 Ways to Celebrate and Honour the Summer Solstice