Happy Summer Solstice! 

This is can be a bittersweet day in the year.  The first day of summer, which means the countdown is ON.  This marks the longest day in the year, which means little by little, the day start getting shorter.  Although solstice has pagan origins related to fertility and harvest, it is a reminder to me that it is a day of light.

Yesterday I went to a local yoga studio and participated in an event called “108 Sun Salutations”.  For those of you unfamiliar with “sun salutation”, I have included a link here.  Yes, I did 108 of them.  It was meant to be repetitive, meditative, encourage us to breathe, and to help us empty our brains and refocus. Brief disclaimer on the link…my sun salutations did NOT look that pretty!  Despite my lack of grace, it was a wonderful way to start the day, and a challenge to my mentally and physically.

What is the point?  For me, there was more than one point. 

A change in the seasons is a reflective time for me.  What have I been doing?  What do I want to be doing?  Why am I doing it?  The questions keep rolling around in my head.  When the opportunity came up for the sun salutation, I knew it would be challenging, and a step outside of my comfort zone.  Ahhh… The comfort zone!  It forced me to focus on my body and my breathing.  Given that, there was little room for other thoughts to wander in. 

As I moved and breathed with the rest of the group, I worked hard to keep my breath flowing in and out with each change in movement.  I kept focusing on my feet being planted on the mat and my hands reaching up to the sky.  As I reached, I pictured the sun within my grasp, and as I brought my hands down, I brought the light to me, and refocused on the earth below.  There was nothing else.  I was in a new zone.  I felt light.

By the end of the practice, 90 minutes later, I was exhausted, yet refreshed.  I walked out into the sunshine smiling.  I had done something different.  I felt pride in having challenged myself, yet I stayed within my own abilities to stay safe in the movement. 

Despite this days this time of year being the longest, much of my thought has been focused on what a short time we have here.  I have been following through on reunions, and trying new things.  I have allowed a bit of dust to form on the furniture in return for spending precious time with other things, including maintaining communication with those dear to me and giving of my time and talents.  I feel light radiating from me in my happiness.

Summertime.  Yes, I will plan too much and run out of daylight.  Yes, I will have lists of things I want to do and never enough hours to do them all.  I will push those limits.  I will fill my days.  Some days, I will fill with nothing but enjoying the sunshine. 

Summertime.  I am happy.  I am blessed.  I am grateful.

Summertime.  I am light.