More Sun, More Play, More Freedom

As a child, the Summer Solstice felt like magic. I didn't know anything about astronomy, the Earth's tilt, or seasonal cycles. What I knew was that the sun stayed out longer and I got to stay outside longer because it got darker later...it seemed like the day refused to end. There was more time to jump rope, ride bikes, play outside and more time to imagine. The longest day of the year felt like a gift.

And guess what???... The Summer Solstice still brings me joy. At this big age, being present in the fullness of the longest day of the year still brings me joy. The Solstice arrives as a reminder that nature has reached a peak. Seeds planted months ago are no longer hidden beneath the soil. They are visible. They are growing...they are stretching towards the sky...they are coming into their fullness...and so are you.

As a gardener, I often think of the Summer Solstice as an invitation to reflect on what has been growing in my garden since I transplanted seedlings in early spring; but planting seeds has not just happened in my garden. Admittedly, I go out into my garden every morning and marvel at how much my tomatoes have grown overnight or how much the various types of basil have filled out with fragrant leaves or what was a flower yesterday has turned into a fruit literally overnight. And, the growth of my physicakl garden translates to my internal garden as I think about my dreams, intentions, and ideas that quietly took root earlier in the year.

One of the seeds I planted earlier this year was a seed of intentional creativity. This seed has blossomed into ceramics classes, which I LOVE!!!! When I began my second ceramics class, I remember feeling like I knew how to create art using the clay in my hands...like I had done this before. It was such a peaceful and satisfying feeling. I am looking forward to working more with clay in my hands.

What seeds have you planted? Perhaps you planted a seed of courage or you began nurturing a creative project, a business idea, a healthier habit, a new relationship, or a vision for your future.

The Solstice reminds us that growth is happening even when we cannot see it every day. Just as a garden doesn't bloom overnight, our lives unfold through small, consistent acts which move us forward.

The Summer Solstice is a celebration of possibility becoming visible. It is the moment when the tiny seed finally says, "Look at me now." That is the beauty of this solstice to me. Nature never rushes nor does she make mistakes. The sunflower doesn't apologize for taking up space. The rose doesn't question whether it deserves to bloom. The oak tree doesn't compare itself to the wildflowers nearby or another tree. Everything simply becomes what it was created to be. So if we were to take one lesson from this day, the longest day of the year, let it be to stand in your light or to celebrate your growth and to trust the process. Remember to plant seeds and to give yourself permission to allow your ideas to bloom.

As we welcome the Summer Solstice and honor all that is growing within and around us, I love incorporating a couple elements that help me stay connected to the season's energy. Two of my favorites are lavender and citrine. Lavender, with its calming fragrance and gentle presence, reminds us that growth does not require constant striving. Place fresh lavender on your bedside table, add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a bath, or simply place a lavender sachet under your pillow to help you sleep more peacefully. Citrine, often called the stone of abundance and joy, carries the warmth and brightness of the summer sun. I like to keep a piece on my desk, tuck it into a pocket, or hold it during meditation while reflecting on the ideas, dreams, and intentions that are beginning to bloom.

Together, lavender and citrine offer a beautiful balance for the Solstice: one invites us to slow down and receive, while the other encourages us to shine, expand, and trust the possibilities unfolding before us. Just as the longest day of the year illuminates the world around us, these simple companions can help illuminate the gifts, opportunities, and creative sparks that are ready to blossom in our own lives.

As I acknowledge the longest day of the year, I am grateful for the child who loved the extra daylight and for the woman who now understands its deeper meaning. The light reminds me that expansion is natural, growth is sacred, and there is still plenty of time for beautiful things to unfold.

So today, I invite you to step outside, feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, and honor the seeds you have planted. I also would like to hear from you what you are growing this season. As you reflect, think about the ones that are already blooming and others are preparing for their moment. No matter where you are, keep tending your garden. Know that your season of profound growth is here.

As we welcome the Summer Solstice and honor all that is growing within and around us, I love incorporating a few simple rituals that help me stay connected to the season's energy. Two of my favorites are lavender and citrine. Lavender, with its calming fragrance and gentle presence, reminds us that growth does not require constant striving. Place fresh lavender on your bedside table, add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a bath, or simply pause throughout the day to inhale its scent as a way of creating space for reflection and gratitude. Citrine, often called the stone of abundance and joy, carries the warmth and brightness of the summer sun. I like to keep a piece on my desk, tuck it into a pocket, or hold it during meditation while reflecting on the ideas, dreams, and intentions that are beginning to bloom. Together, lavender and citrine offer a beautiful balance for the Solstice: one invites us to slow down and receive, while the other encourages us to shine, expand, and trust the possibilities unfolding before us. Just as the longest day of the year illuminates the world around us, these simple companions can help illuminate the gifts, opportunities, and creative sparks that are ready to blossom in our own lives.