....what I love about summer

Yogis,

It’s officially summer! 

Friday, we celebrated the Summer Solstice, honoring the life giving force of the sun. Her heat, light and power all cause growth and transformation. All you have to do this time of year is look out your window to get a sense of her strength!

I have always loved summer. When I think back to my childhood the images that flash through my mind are the ones of me in the woods building forts, making ‘houses’ in buckets for the all of the poor caterpillars I captured and walking barefoot on the hot Georgia pavement to the pool. The carefree days of summer.

As adults our summers aren’t necessarily quite as carefree, but there is a still a gentle shift in energy which brings everything down a few notches. A slower time that gives us all the opportunity to pause and realize the many small things this season brings which we are grateful for.

Here are mine………

You of course know my number 1#! Being able to be barefoot all day 😊 My toes sing a song of joy once freed from the constriction of shoes, instead feeling the morning dew on the grass. Clover flowers constantly getting stuck between my toes like jewelry.

My garden. Having a sanctuary in my own backyard where I can go each day to putter, photograph, get my hands in the dirt and talk to the other creatures who too visit frequently. The garden offers me mint and lemon balm for my water, herbs for my salad and medicinal plants to make my medicine, all which I sample as I walk through. Each plant with a unique personality and all give me much joy.

The long days. Having time after dinner to head outside and watch the bats swoop out from my eaves. This week I counted 12 in five minutes so I am sure there are many more. Great mosquito control! The songs of the night birds and frogs and of course, the lightening bugs.

Sleeping with my window open. There is nothing like the sounds of the breeze through the trees and the rain on the roof to lull me to sleep. Yes there are planes but I truly don’t hear them as I tune in to life’s hum. And yes…..there are those foxes who in addition to being much more visible these days have now taken to launching a raucous in the middle of night.  Phoebe has learned not to bark but can’t help allowing little muted grrrr’s and groans to escape her lips.

The tastes. Everything so gorgeous and fresh it’s hard to decide what to have! Salads with scrumptious lettuce from the CSA, blueberries and feta. Greens galore, beans now sprouting in my garden, melons and tomatoes. Every meal a mouth party.

And the smells. Oh my gosh the smells…… Freshly mowed grass, honeysuckle and roses. The sea air, suntan lotion and caramel corn on the boardwalk.

Wearing shorts, getting sweaty and sleeping in my tent. Licking an ice cream cone strategically so as not to allow a messy melt. The more I list, the more that come to me. That is how the energy of gratitude works. A powerful magnet.

Summer. So, what is your list?

Happy Summer,
SARAH