I think it’s safe to say the most-asked question this time of year is, “What are you doing this summer?” Some of us have far-away trips planned, while others are finally taking that staycation to Great Wolf Lodge they’ve been looking forward to for months. Over the summer months, we stay up a little later, swim a little longer, play a little more, and find time for those pieces of life we’ve been meaning to tend to.
While others might be happy to call June 21 the First Day of Summer, it’s more exciting because it’s the SUMMER SOLSTICE! On this most gorgeous, sunny day we set new intentions, hone in on our goals, and bask in the sunniest day of the entire year. The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year, or more importantly, the most sunlight on one day. Remind me to buy those blackout shades I’ve been meaning to purchase. Only joking!
Here are four ways to celebrate the Summer Solstice on June 21 with your tots.
1. YOGA: Get Outside and Salute the Sun!
Sometimes when life gets heavy or chaotic, a walk in the sunshine makes me feel warm and calm. Roll out your yoga mat and let the kids climb all over you. Inhale, and take your hands up to the sky, and as you exhale, bring your hands down to your toes. It doesn’t have to be pretty or perfect, because sometimes all we need is some deep breathing in the sunshine to get us on our way to a better, happier self.
A Sun Salutation example is below. I’m leaving out the Sanskrit so when the kids join, the words will be a bit easier to understand. (Safe for all levels, including pregnant mamas, baby-wearing mamas, and littles!)
Inhale: Take both hands up and meet in high prayer at the top for extended mountain.
Exhale: Move hands to the ground for a forward fold; knees can always be bent! Let your neck and head release and relax.
Inhale: Flatten your back and lift halfway.
Exhale: Step right foot back into a lunge.
Inhale: Arms up for high lunge.
Exhale: Downward-facing dog.
Inhale: High plank.
Exhale: Lower down chaturanga or high-to-low pushup.
Inhale: Upward-facing dog or cobra.
Exhale: Downward-facing dog.
Inhale: Step right foot forward in high lunge; arms go up.
Exhale: Forward fold at the top of the mat.
Inhale: Gather up all this beautiful solstice energy for extended mountain pose, with hands meeting at the top.
Exhale: Mountain pose; hands find your heart.
2. Set an Intention to Give Back
If you’re anything like our family, you get busy and things like giving back to our community sadly gets puts on the back burner. Summer is the most perfect time to spend a little bit of your life giving back, instilling these beautiful values in your littles that they’ll always remember and hold dear. You can have the world’s most altruistic intentions but implementing them takes time. Write down an intention to give back to a local food pantry or non-profit giving food, time, and love.
Little Free Pantry always needs toiletry items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper and soap. Check their Facebook page here to see what items are running low this week.
We tend to give back more during the holiday months when the spirit is all around us and the city is bustling with holiday festivities. But did you know that in this summer, local food banks’ pantries are at the lowest they will be at all year? Part of this reason is that the meals provided to students at public school will be stopped since school is out of session. It’s heartbreaking but we can help!
3. Summer Solstice Art
Mandala, in Sanskrit, means circle. A mandala represents the notion that we are whole, complete, and perfect as we are today. In some ways they can even tell a story. This Summer Solstice, take the kids outdoors and collect rocks, flowers, leaves, grass, twigs, pebbles, and other pieces of nature. Once you’ve gathered all of your mandala objects, begin to make a pattern in a circular shape. Mandalas are usually disassembled or destroyed after they are complete to symbolize the fleetingness of everything around us. The kids will grow up, the summer will end, but making a mandala reminds us to stay present and choose happiness. I’d probably use glue and not destroy such a precious moment but that is up to you!
4. Make a To-Do List
As mothers and fathers, a lot of our intentions are set around our children. Goals to be better parents, to love more, worry less, be present more, etc. Reshape goals that were made at the beginning of the year to be more realistic to what serves you today. The Summer Solstice is a perfect opportunity to hone in on those things you’ve been meaning to get to and to set goals for a positive summer.
