As the song goes, it’s Summertime and the livin’ is easy. The warmer, longer days, and fresh sunlight means lots of time in nature. Some of my favorite moments of summer are spent outdoors after the sun goes down.
In nature, summer is a time of tremendous growth. The same can be said for you. The summer invites you to experience personal development, contemplation and creativity.
If you prepare for summer’s long days and warm nights, you can make the most of the season and experience joyous personal transformation. To get started, first give some thought to what you truly want to bring into your life, by sitting quietly and connecting to nature with all your senses.
Prepare Your Body
In summer, the heat can be uncomfortable, even unbearable. Prepare yourself with simple choices that fuel your body with the energy it needs. Drink plenty of water to flush out some of the excess toxins that have built up over the long winter months. With these toxins removed, you’ll have more energy to help you with your transformation.
This is a great time of year to enjoy long walks in nature or challenging hikes. If it’s too hot out, you can condition indoors or at an air conditioned gym. You might want to consider a goal, such as a race or a particular hike. Just make sure you’re physically prepared, and you take good care of yourself during and after the challenge.
Prepare Your Mind
Summer is the season for fun! The long days invite barbecues, pool parties, time at the lake and vacations at the beach. Take full advantage of the wide array of summer activities. They can stimulate your mind, body and emotions to new levels of fulfillment.
While it’s important to enjoy the time with friends and family, it’s equally important to protect your peace by saying no to activities that don’t fit with what matters the most to you. You can say no in a way that guards your time without hurting the feelings of others. Practice gently saying no.
To make the most of the summer season, you may want to:
- Find time for prayer or meditation
- Use the summer nights for peaceful contemplation
- Spend time with others who share your values and beliefs
- Take time to relax by yourself
Summer encourages physical activity outdoors, so it’s easy to forget about slowing down to give your body a chance to recharge its batteries. Let the easy livin’ feeling of summer remind you to relax and figure out the things in your life that are the most important. If you do, you’ll enjoy your summer fully and benefit from its warmth long after the summer months have passed.
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