Finally, it feels like summer the heat wraps around and cocoons you like a warm blanket.   It is a time to look for ways to cool off during these tropical conditions.   A pool, a jump in the lake all are nice options... some delicious watermelon to round out a perfect picnic.  

It is a great time to practice hot yoga outside, with the hint of a breeze it easily replicates the indoor studio and you have a chance to listen to the wind rustle the leaves.  Such a soothing sound.   This is also a great time for road trips, street festivals and soccer matches.  Make some time to enjoy all the summer offers.  Often it is the simple things like an ice cream cone on a very hot day that punctuates the mundane tasks we all must tend to.

Often a simple visit to the water clears your mind and allows you to be more present in the present moment.   Take time to visit a local lake to just be with whatever comes up in your mind.  

Finally it is summertime!  A time to get outside and take that walk, no excuses.   This is a good time to take stock of what is going on with your life and to follow the path that leads to more joy.   It may be taking that bike ride along the lake,  Pausing in the middle of the day to go to your favorite gelato shop or simply being present in the moment and doing nothing at all.   Often when we take a pause when moments are challenging if we just focus on where we are and our breath then it helps us return to the present moment.

Sometimes feelings of sadness will occur during these summer months and it often can make us feel guilty.   It is important to let the feeling come and do not stop it, just let it pass.  As emotions do not last long they ebb and flow like the sea.  As we move into another season of grief it is important to feel grateful for the people in our life who are still with us and support us.    Most of all try and find those moments that bring you true joy as we enjoy this wonderful summertime!

Finally the warm weather has arrived.  it is a chance to to get out and enjoy the sound of birdsong, leaves rustling and the water if you are near a lake.

Connecting with nature allows you to stop and listen to your heart.   It lets you take the path you need as you navigate the challenges of the everyday.   On a recent hike although it was quite short and and many people passed me it was on my walk back, alone that I truly did feel alone.   The woods were quiet and I did not see any animals or birds at that time.  I was frustrated by my lack of physical stamina to keep going... I did try to push on.  But, that day I simply could not.  I had to stop and retreat.  The rest of the day I felt quite unwell but it taught me the lesson of listening to your body even if you don't like the message.  And sometimes you really do need to rest.  We push ourselves so much during the week to accomplish so much.  Sometimes we simply need to recharge.   That doesn't mean we don't keep challenging ourselves ...but sometimes a break is exactly what you need.   And sometimes being alone in nature is exactly where you are supposed to be at that moment.

So take some time out on this long weekend to connect with nature and some time to just do nothing at all.

Lately, it has been difficult to write, difficult to think clearly and focus.  Walking in nature allows for that moment of peacefulness, challenge if you are going on a micro hike and a chance for your mind to rest.   It is a chance to practice a walking meditation and just be mindful of your breath, your surroundings.   Stepping back from this moment of tranquility allows some gratitude to flow.  It is hard sometimes to find this gratitude so, often it is easier to start very small.

Making more time for meditation and prioritizing time in nature away from the ever present distractions allow you to be more present in everyday interactions.  This is helpful when your journey is particularly challenging and when you feel alone in your journey.  

Often we overlook the benefits of rest as we work ourselves to the bone during the week and struggle to jam every possible chore into our weekends.  However, rest is much needed not just in the evening.  Sometimes our body needs time to reset and to adjust to our multiple stressors.   Make some time for a time-out during the day.   During this time just be with the breath and your body and try to actually rest your mind for a bit.   Make sure your phone is turned off so you can truly rest and reset a bit.

As we lose an hour today, find some time to do something that brings you joy.  Try a slower pace and do not try to do everything today.  For today let some things slide... there is tomorrow.   Take advantage of the warmer, dry weather and go for a walk, do some exercise in nature.. or simply investigate what is going on in the garden.   I am happy to report my mint is still alive and I can see some green on the roses so, hopefully the winter kill is not too bad.

I recommend the new meditation app -The Way.  I have tried it for a few nights and it is very good and it is very calming.  Be kind to yourself as meditation is a practice and perfection is not the goal.   Returning to your breath, letting your mind drift away.. but bringing it back to the breath is what matters.