Get the Most Out of Your Summer - For Life!

I just love summer! It's my favorite time of the year and I always look forward to a season when the days are long, and the Earth warm and in full bloom. Everyone seems to be lighter, happier and more carefree. 

Though I might want to sometimes, I can't slow down the unfolding of time and this summer like every other will pass into autumn and then winter. That's all the more reason to set your intention toward enjoying the beauty and abundance that exists right now.

Here are several things you can do to harvest the most out of your precious summer season and beyond, as these practices are useful in getting the most out of your life any time of the year. 

1) Begin with gratitude. Instead of spending energy longing for your next vacation, start by appreciating what you have right now. Begin the day with a prayer of gratitude and make a point to notice more to be grateful for each day. 

2) Live with intention. When you get up in the morning, consider what you want to get out of your day and what you are willing to put into it. As the Buddha said, "All that we are is the result of what we have thought".

3) Be daring. Take the plunge and do something this summer that you've always wanted to do but keep putting off. Maybe it's taking a paddle board lesson, learning Zumba, going out for a night of dancing, reading that novel on the bedside table, going to a baseball game...whatever it might be, set a date and do it! 

4) Be spontaneous. Relax a little and let yourself flow with the rhythm of life. If someone invites you to dinner, a movie, a walk on the beach...GO! Last minute and unexpected invitations can open a door to magic and delight. The to do list will wait, I promise!

  

5) Get up early and watch the sunrise. Sunrise is a powerful time of day. The world is still waking up and the day's potential is unlimited. Harness some of that fresh new-day energy yourself by sitting in peace watching the world wake up. 

6) Go for a picnic. Find a special spot in nature, pack a delicious picnic for one (or more) and watch the sunset. Eating fresh, colorful foods (especially from a nearby farmer's market) and savoring each bite in a tranquil, natural setting is a wonderful tonic to unwind from your day.

7) Be in nature as much as possible. Nature is grounding, balancing and calming. Leave your screens and devices behind (or at least power them down) and go for walks in the park, dip your toes in the ocean, join a hiking club or simply find a shady spot in the back yard and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous planet.

Try one (or all!) of these ideas and let me know how it goes. Maybe you'll come up with a few ideas of your own - I'd love to hear about it! For now, have a safe and joyful summer. I look forward to connecting with all of you in early fall. 

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