Spiritual Practices for the Arrival of Summer
Designing your spiritual practices around the seasons can help connect to nature. It gives you a chance to check in with yourself, to reflect on your progress in the year so far and set intentions going forward.
In the summer, the warm, sunny months mark a time to celebrate light and the full strength of the sun with time spent at outdoor parties and barbeques. This carefree season invites you to embrace self-care, take a well deserved break, rejuvenate — and have some fun! A blog on Spiritual Gangster suggests that you put your well-being first with these spiritual practices to celebrate the arrival of summer.
Celebrate the Summer Solstice
The summer solstice, or midsummer, marks the beginning of summer and the moment when the sun is at its highest, according to Space. It currently shifts between June 20, 21, and 22. On this day, the sun spends the most time above the horizon. Make this an occasion to celebrate as you officially welcome the summer season.
Cultures around the world have been celebrating the summer solstice for centuries. In Sweden, they participate in midsummer celebrations with a weekend filled with food, drink, and singing. Traditionally, they wear crowns made with flowers and dance around a maypole. Native Americans from the plains and Rocky Mountains perform a sun dance. Why not take inspiration from all these cultures with some singing, dancing, and feasting.
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Practice Solar Plexus Chakra Alignment
The chakras, according to Health, are swirling wheels of energy along the spine. Each one has a specific location, element, and color, which help guide healing practices and self-awareness.
The solar plexus, near the belly, corresponds to the element of fire. It shines glowing yellow like the sun’s radiance, making it the perfect chakra to focus on during the summer months.
With alignment practices, you can connect to its fiery energy, build confidence, and feel empowered. You can use yoga poses to channel your solar energy, like bow pose, seated spinal twist, boat pose, and warrior. You can also carry healing crystals connected to the sun’s energy, like citrine, amber, pyrite, yellow topaz, and yellow tourmaline.
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Bathe in the Light of the Summer Moon
In the northeast hemisphere, the summer months take place during June, July, and August. Each month has its own full moon, providing the perfect opportunity for reflection and increasing intuitive awareness, according to a blog on Everyday Yoga.
The strawberry full moon shines bright in June, a time for basking in the fruits of your labor and finding energetic nourishment. In July comes the buck moon, or sometimes referred to as the thunder moon. Now is the time to rest and appreciate all the abundance that you have harvested so far in the year. In summer’s final month of August, the corn morn invites opportunity and good fortune. Celebrate the carefree days of summer bask in the light of the summer moon.
(Ivan Morato photography / Shutterstock.com)
