Embrace the Splendor of Summer Solstice
Happy Summer Solstice!
Today, June 20th at 3:50 pm CDT, we welcome the Summer Solstice. It is the official beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring when Earth arrives at the point in its orbit where the North Pole is at its maximum tilt toward the Sun, resulting in the day with the most daylight of the calendar year. 
Fun fact to impress your friends and family: It’s the earliest solstice since June 20, 1796, when George Washington was president and there were only 16 states in the Union.
The summer solstice celebrates the return of the light of the sun and that same light that shines within all of humanity. Traditionally, people also celebrated renewal, life, the potential for a good harvest, inner and outer abundance, and ascension.
Summer nights spark my memories of catching lightening bugs as a kid and putting then in a jar. I’d punch holes in the lid so they could breathe, and they’d twinkle in my room as I fell asleep.
I’m still fascinated by those little creatures, but now I leave them twinkling outside.
Here are some ways you could celebrate the beginning of summer:
- Plant a small herb or flower garden
- Go to the beach
- Build a bonfire and make S’mores
- Do yoga and include some sun salutations
- Enjoy being outdoors and do nothing at all
- Review and renew goals then set intentions to build upon
- Begin something new
- Reread a favorite book
- Include a Salmon Dill Niçoise Salad in your special feast
- Be happy and grateful
- Hang out with your favorite people and enjoy much laughter
In many ways, June 20th can take on the feel of a New Year.
May you be abundantly blessed,
Health Coach Carol
“It is the Summer Solstice. The earth rejoices in abundance and light, and so do we.”–Deborah Blake