22/06/2025
Title: Celebrating the Summer Solstice: A Mid-Year New Year
The Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, marks a turning point in nature and in spirit. Occurring around June 20th–22nd in the Northern Hemisphere, it is the time when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, bathing us in the most daylight we will receive all year. For many, this astronomical event signals the height of summer, but for some of us, it offers something even more powerful: a personal new year.
As the sun shines its brightest, we, too, have the opportunity to light up our own lives. This moment is an invitation to renew, reflect, and rise.
________________________________________
1. Create Your Sunny Summer List Start your new year with intention. Use the Summer Solstice to realign and refresh your goals. Here’s a simple exercise to ignite your inner fire:
• 3 Goals: What do you want to accomplish between now and the end of summer? These can be personal, professional, or spiritual.
• 3 Places to See or Visit: Pick three places, big or small, near or far, that spark joy or curiosity.
• 3 New Things to Try: Maybe it’s paddle boarding, painting, or a new book genre. Make space for growth and fun. Yesterday I joined a drumming and percussion session and it was out of this world! I connected with adults, children, disabled children, we were each unique, separate yet in unison. One could feel the energy and creativity pouring out. I felt soulful and satisfied.
Writing these down can shift your energy and focus. Keep the list where you can see it every day as a reminder to keep moving forward.
________________________________________
2. Summer Sunshine Time The solstice is all about light. Use it.
• Early Morning Light: Watch the sunrise. Take a slow walk, meditate, pray, or move your body gently in the infrared glow of the early morning. These rays can help with inflammation, mood, and even skin health.
• Just Before Noon: Let the sun touch your skin (safely) for a few minutes. This window can be especially powerful for jumpstarting metabolism and supporting vitamin D levels. Even in colder seasons, the habit of sun soaking can pay off in health and vitality.
Let your body be embraced by light and let your soul be inspired by it.
________________________________________
3. Be Courageous & Outrageous Summer is not the time to play small. Be bold, be playful, be vibrant.
• Dress the Part: Wear sun-inspired colors—yellows, oranges, reds. Let your clothes reflect your energy.
• Find Magic in Movement: Keep your eyes open for spontaneous joy. One morning, after a walk, I saw a young boy playing paddle ball alone. I asked to join in, and two hours later, I had laughed, played volleyball, and worked out without even realizing it.
• Push a Little Further: Walk a few extra steps. Add a stretch, a plank, a squat to your routine. These small acts are powerful symbols of forward motion.
________________________________________
4. Try Summer Sensations Let the flavors and freshness of summer energize you.
• Super Smoothies: Blend up fresh fruits with leafy greens, nuts, or protein.
• Summer Salads: Mix crisp veggies with light dressings, grains, and herbs.
• Infused Waters: Try cucumber-mint, lemon-basil, or strawberry-lavender water to stay cool and hydrated.
Enjoy the taste of vitality.
________________________________________
Let the Light Lead You the Summer Solstice is a celebration of life, energy, and light. Use this day not just to bask in the sun, but to plant seeds of intention and joy. As your personal new year, this is your time to shine, to grow, and to boldly take steps toward the life you envision.
Let’s circle back in September and see how the sun helped shape our path.
Happy Solstice!