What are the energies and invitations of summer that are calling to you? My daughter, Sarah, and I co-led a mini-retreat day in June to welcome summer. Since many wished they could be there but couldn’t, I want to share insights and wisdom that emerged. In this way, you can join us in Spirit as you reflect on summer’s gifts and your desires/intentions for the season.  

Gathered in the barn on our family farm in the rolling hills of northern Maryland, we began our day opening through gentle yoga. Sarah, our family yogi, has taught me that yoga is not merely a practice of the body but one of the soul. Yoga means “union,” “to unite,” or “to connect.” The practice of yoga can unite us with God, join us with others, and connect our minds, bodies, and souls. Our yoga movements included an abbreviated, modified sun salutation for those of us beginner yogis: standing while reaching our arms toward the sky, then bowing into a downward fold to the ground to honor the sun, then standing again to bring our hands into the traditional position of Namaste, hands in prayer pose before our hearts. What a beautiful way to honor the sun and welcome summer.  

Speaking of the sun…this year, in the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice falls on June 20, the date at which Earth’s tilt is closest to the sun, making it the day with most hours of daylight. At 4:51 pm (EDT) on June 20th, the sun appears to “pause” to stand still before beginning its shift southward. Astronomically, the summer solstice is the first day of summer (meteorologically, summer began June 1). According to news and weather sources, it is the earliest summer solstice in over 200 years due to the Gregorian calendar that factors in leap years (It’s very confusing how this all works!).  

People around the world celebrate the summer solstice with rituals and festivals. As one writer observes, “The summer solstice speaks of love and light, freedom, and generosity of spirit. It is a beautiful time of year where vibrant flowers whisper to us with scented breath, forests and woodlands hang heavy in the summer’s heat, and our souls become enchanted with midsummer magic.” (Carole Carlton, Mrs. Darley’s Pagan Whispers) 

During our retreat day, we explored the season’s energies and invitations, and I invite you to do the same. When you think of summer, what words or images come to mind? What are the energies of summer? Consider pausing to consider these questions and write down your responses.  

Summer is a season of blooming, radiance, abundance, fruitfulness, wonder, joy, and playfulness.  Given the heat, it is also a season for leisure, rest, and idleness. Author Sam Keen is quoted as saying, “Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.”  Don’t you love that?  

Below, you can find a few assorted inspirations and passages about summer. I invite you to read them slowly several times and reflect on the words and images that resonate or tug at you. Which quote seems to glisten for you? How does that quote relate to something happening in your life right now? What guidance or wisdom does it reveal?  

No day to welcome summer would be complete without spending time with all that is growing and blooming. Mother Nature graced us with a perfect day: the sun was shining, temperatures were in the upper 70s, the sky was deep blue with scattered puffy white clouds, and a gentle breeze was blowing.  Consider welcoming summer by walking barefoot in the grass or beholding a single blooming flower.  

Lastly, as you reflect on summer’s energies and invitations, you may wish to set an intention for the season, which may be one word or phrase that can guide you over the next few months. Intentions that were voiced included rest, savor, balance, and play. Intentions help us focus on what we deem is important for our well-being.  

As we move into summer, opportunities abound to embrace the season. I will leave you with this blessing, a Native American proverb:  

May your life be like a wildflower,  

Growing freely in the beauty of each day.  

With love and summer blessings,  

Mabeth 

Summer Inspirations and Reflections:  

“At the Summer Solstice, all is green and growing, potential coming into being, the miracle of manifestation painted large on the canvas of awareness. (Gary Zukav)  

“One way of celebrating the Solstice is to consider it a sacred time of reflection, release, restoration, and renewal.”  (Sarah Ban Breathnach, Simple Abundance)  

“Summer does not speak in whispers. It laughs out loud. It is on fire with passion. Summer playfully continues the dance with enthusiasm and vitality.” (Joyce Rupp & Macrina Wiederkehr, The Circle of Life)