Its not all about saluting the sun....
Summer Solstice, June 20th (in the northern hemisphere) marks a turning point. It will be the longest day of the year, and then everyday after that will be a little shorter until Winter Solstice comes around again. Since, December 21st, Winter Solstice last year until now the directional flow of energy has been moving outward. As the days progressively get longer, there is an emphasis on expansion and growth, and on moving from dark to light. Summer Solstice is the doorway to the 2nd half of 2017. As the season shifts, so will the flow of energy back in the other direction, a drawing inward, and a movement from light to dark. This beautiful ebb and flow between expansion and contraction, is a wonderful reminder of the transient quality of life, all things, including ourselves (small selves) are constantly changing.
During Winter Solstice we set goals, New Year Resolutions, for the year to come. Now, during Summer Solstice, is a wonderful time to reflect back on the first half of the year to celebrate the completion of this previous cycle and to have gratitude for our unique experience thus far. It is also a time to look and see what we have learned, to see if there are changes that can be made. Examples of things to ask yourself below (but there are many more.)
Where would you like to make shifts in my life?
Are there areas of your life that need balancing?
What is really important to you?... And are you putting the effort and attention towards those things you consider to be most important?
What do you wish to nurture and develop in yourself in these next couple months?
Are you neglecting certain aspects of your life? or relationship?
Personally, I noticed that I have been focused heavily on my career (yoga teaching). This past year; I have been saying yes to every class I am offered, subbing all over the place, doing teacher trainings, trying to stay active on social media, etc... So as a result I have no free time, and my personal practice is slowly sliding down the list of things to do. I decided I am going to cut back and focus more on my personal practice. My personal practice is very important, and I intend to make it a high priority as we move forward. It’s that simple, no judgement, no blame, no I should have, involved.
How can you look back with appreciation and curiosity on your year so far, then move forward with intention into the rest of 2017? If you have any experience or revelations you’d like to share, I’d love to hear it.
Happy Summer Solstice! XO