A Joy to Behold
By Bajda Welty
Experience the peak, the apex, the mountaintop of the yearly cycle.
The longest days, the hottest temperatures, the outpouring of energy—the season of joy.
Summer solstice equals full moon equals yang rising energy equals high noon. The season of the heart.
Remember the dark reflective moments of winter? What did you dream? What did you plant? Remember the frog chorus of spring as the land and waters warmed again? What intention unfurled? What seed sprouted? Now firmly in summer, what is blooming?
What is bursting? What is teeming
But the abundance of food, flowers, friendships and joy can also be subdued by the weightiness of sorrow. You may have forgotten to flower or just didn’t get the proper rest and downtime over winter or perhaps you have a chapter of sadness in your life. It’s OK, just remember you are a perennial: resilient, alive, a repeat bloomer, day after day, season after season, year after year.
Still, possibly this season isn’t your favorite. Take great care to conserve resources and keep calm, cool and quiet. You may have to work to counterbalance the heat and activity around you. But do the summer joy practice. Acknowledge the season and let joy infiltrate your heart and circulate through your body.
There is even light at night. Shooting stars streaking across the sky, glowing cloudlike hues of the aurora borealis and shimmering ripples of bioluminescence through the water.
Ride this rocket of activity all summer, basking in the light, relishing the abundance, smothering those around you in handfuls of sweet berries!
Summer Joy Practice
Stand firmly, weight equal on both feet, with purpose and strength, as if nobody could tip you over. Raise your arms above your head, palms up to the sky, fingers reaching to the sun, as though you are holding a big ball. Like you are framing the sun. Breathe in.
Look up between your hands, direct your vision upward and direct your mind to the question, “What brought me joy today?” Breathe out, bring your arms to your sides and let it go. Repeat as many times as you like.
