Celebrating Summer

My summer has been filled with play, joy and sunshine. I chose to slow down and take time away from my usual schedule. What a gift it has been. I had forgotten what the phrase ‘lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer’ meant.

At first I felt restless and a bit guilty. Shouldn’t I be doing something productive? Was I being irresponsible? Did I really deserve to take a break?

As I heard these voices in my head, I spoke firmly and lovingly to them. ‘I want to rest. It has been many years since I ‘felt like a kid’ in the summer time. So, thanks for your concern for me. I trust that this is what I most need right now. Go off and enjoy your summer too. See you in the fall!’

It took a while for me to relax. And, as I continued to seek pleasure and rejuvenation, here is what happened.

I became aware of the beauty in the ordinary and I appreciated simple pleasures.

I noticed that summer is a season filled with sensuality. All of my senses were awakened by the experience of summer.

There are the SMELLS of summer.

The oily scent of sunscreen with a hint of coconut, the salty tang on the ocean breeze and the smell of seaweed wafting over the tide flats. There is the fragrance of my flower garden. As I bury my nose in the white drifts of phlox, I am transported back to my grandmother’s garden and I am ten years old again. There is the inviting smell of fried onions at the hot dog stand by the beach. And, the scent of the new mown grass that greets me as I walk barefoot on the lawn. There is the ever present smoke of the barbecue as family picnics get underway.

Then, there are the SENSATIONS of summer.

The hot, burning sand on the soles of my feet. The icy shock of plunging into the ocean. The salty mouthful of water as I swim in the waves of a restless sea. There is the sensation of surrender as I relax and float in the buoyant water. There is the feeling of pleasure as I bite into a plump apricot and feel the juice running down my chin. I grin as I race down a hill on my bike and feel the wind on my face. I have a sensation of dizziness as I jump on the trampoline with my little grandson. I search for the perfect shell and crabs under rocks with my older grandsons. The sensation of a tiny crab wriggling in the palm of my hand reminds me of the tender tickles of love I feel in my heart for these boys who are enjoying summer with me. The rain in summer is a warm mist that nourishes my skin and leaves a fresh, earthy sensation in the air.

The SIGHTS of summer add to my pleasure.

Brightly coloured umbrellas dot the beach while people of all ages gather to play. The sun dances on the water and it is a sparkling invitation to pleasure. There are boats of all kinds….sailboats, kayaks, canoes and paddle boards. There are cyclists, runners, people on roller blades and others flying kites. There are sand castles, tiny footprints in the sand and a forgotten shovel at the water’s edge. The flowers shine with beauty as an abundance of colours surrounds me. I see families sharing a picnic, I see fireworks, I see parades, I see hats of every description and I see smiles. I notice an artist with a sign that says, ‘Touch the Art! Art touches you.’ And, because I am devoted to enjoying each moment, I do just that. Her vibrant paintings bring joy to my life.

The SOUNDS of summer are like no other season.

There are the birds. The sea gulls frantically call for scraps of food and fight for their share. The crows announce their presence loudly. The robins and red winged black birds greet the sun and end the day with melodic song. There are dogs barking at the birds and chasing balls into the water. The children are squealing with excitement as they splash in the pool and whoosh down the slide. The cheers of a beach volleyball game fill the air. The rustle of the wind in the trees and the sighing of the long grasses when I walk in the quiet meadow are sweet summer sounds. Summer music festivals are the best! The sound of a blues singer on a hot summer evening fills my heart with joy and is a memory that I carry with me when the dark winter nights arrive.

Summer is not over yet. And already I am aware of how special this summer has been for me.

I feel more rested. I have more patience and I feel calm, even when things turn out differently than I planned. I am feeling strong and healthy. I eat when I am hungry. I enjoy the hotdog from the sidewalk vendor, a man who has become my friend. Because I am not rushed he and I have a moment to connect.  I treat myself to an ice cream cone on a hot day. I love the fact that I can swim, cycle, run and hike. I celebrate my body for how it serves me. And, I sense my body thanking me for taking care of it this summer.

I wonder how your summer has been.  Have you stopped to enjoy the sunshine?  Or the sights, sounds and smells of summer?

Summer is still with us…..My desire is that you will choose to devote some time to yourself and summer. Let me know what you decide to do. I look forward to seeing your comments below!