Summer Solstice, the day of longest sunlight, represents the most yang time of the year. Lots of activity – vacations, walking along the beach after dinner, outside cookouts and picnics, summer softball leagues, concerts under the stars. Bright colors abound — red, pink, yellow and purple flowers; green, red and orange vegetables appearing in the garden and at farmers’ markets; bright green leaves adorning the trees; sailboats float out on Lake Michigan.
For some of us in seasonal climates, it’s been a long wait through winter and a cool, damp spring. We’ve been anticipating, wanting the sunlight, the warmth, the outdoor activities we love in summer. So here we are, doing our best to take advantage of this time, outdoors within our days of longer sunlight.
Let’s take a lesson from Tai Chi, where we desire to relax, empty out and balance our yang and yin. Be in the moment. Use a little yin energy to stop and pay attention.
Take time for a long breath. Stop and look around at the glorious colors of nature and their fullness Sit and meditate on the river. Walk barefoot in the grass. Play catch outside with your son or daughter. Savor the smells coming from the grill. Sit in your lawn chair and watch the sunset. Because you can.
Observe. Taste. Smell. Hear. You may be in awe of what happens.