Sounds idyllic doesn’t it? You know me, I’m not big on perfection – I love life to come in all shapes and sizes, with ups and downs, fast and slow but I do think that certain times of year lend themselves to a change of pace.
As the sun rises higher in the sky and the days stretch lazily ahead, there’s a palpable sense of possibility and relaxation that comes with the summer season. Summer can offer a unique opportunity to align with the rhythms of nature, to slow down and savour life’s simple joys.
Where do we start?
- Embrace the calm of nature – Where possible get outside and experience the different landscapes around us. It can be a park, the countryside, a garden, the beach. Focus on what is around you, notice the little things, the sounds, the smells. How does it make you feel?
- Find your rhythm – Maybe your routine shifts, prompting you to wake up earlier and relish the tranquillity before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. Perhaps you find yourself staying up later, indulging in extended outdoor activities or basking in the serenity of your home while others sleep. Discover the rhythm that suits you best.
- Simple pleasures – Enjoy a good book while sitting in the sunshine with a cuppa. Watch the sunset with friends. Create a picnic to share with your family. Take a walk with no time constraints.
- Let go of expectations – Maybe this is the summer where you don’t have endless plans, where you have the space for spontaneity? Go with the flow, see what happens, allow it to be whatever it is rather than piling on expectation and then feeling disappointed.
- Manage commitments – Don’t say yes to everything asked of you. Make sure that the things you do decide to say yes to bring you joy and balance out other areas in your life. Over-committing is overwhelming and certainly doesn’t bring peace!
These are just a few ways you can find some balance this summer.
Pockets of Peace
And if all of that seems an impossibility, then search out your pockets of peace. Find those moments in the day when you can appreciate the different rhythm of summer even if it’s just a pocket of peace.
Visualise what a peaceful and balanced summer looks like for you – how could you work to make that happen?
