Embracing Summer: A Season of Nourishment, Patience, and Intentional Growth

Today marks the start of summer, signified by the sun reaching its highest position in the sky. This event, known as the summer solstice, is celebrated as the longest day of the year because of the extended daylight hours. From this point onward, each day will gradually shorten in sunlight until we reach the winter solstice, which signifies the longest night of the year.

The summer season invites us to turn inward and nourish ourselves towards growth and evolution. It asks us to pause and patiently await the full bloom of all that was planted in the spring.

Summer teaches us that beauty lies in patience. It encourages us to transition from action to nourishment. I think about the soil I toiled and the seeds I diligently planted in the spring—all those hours spent laboring. Then summer comes and invites me to sit and watch the full bloom of what was planted.

It's more than just the crops that were planted in those spring days that I am waiting to see bloom. It’s also the inward seeds that were planted and watered. The summer warmth and light gently remind us that we all have a light within us that reaches out into the world and touches others. Just as the summer sun nourishes the grass, the crops, and the trees, it also nourishes us and gives us permission to spend time nourishing ourselves. It serves to remind us to squash darkness with light and trust that, like the sun, we will rise each day despite life's circumstances.

Summer brings intentionality. I admire this about summer and welcome the idea of personally showing up and living with purpose. I, and I am sure you as well, feel a natural energetic charge in the summer months. That natural energy, when paired with patience, nourishment, and intentionality, can guide us in the direction we wish to go. These elements help direct our path towards purposeful living. It is easy to get caught up in the natural energy of summer and live in constant motion, but without intentionality, it can leave us feeling less nourished and more exhausted as we move into the next season of life.

This summer, I am choosing to take a more intentional path, one met with patience as I sit with the summer days awaiting their full bloom. This spring, I planted the seeds of purpose as I wrestled and questioned what my purpose was. I began to feel stuck in the mundane, lacking intention and purpose. I honestly forgot about the importance of turning inward and allowing myself to evolve and grow. So, this summer, I am choosing to embrace the patient, introspective nourishment that summer brings. I am eagerly awaiting the full bloom of all the seeds planted in the spring and anticipating what they will look like once they come to fruition this summer. I am choosing to rest and slow down, to do more of what nourishes me and less of what drains me. I am choosing to be intentional with my time and activities. I will spend more time in the sun, soaking in its nourishment and listening to the gentle echoes within nudging me forward in growth and purpose. I will be writing more and honoring that part of myself.

How will you allow the summer season to nourish you? How can you show up with intention this season and patiently await your full bloom?