Everyone has a favorite holiday. For some it is Christmas. My son's favorite holiday is Halloween. As early as July, he begins planning his Halloween costume. The holiday that I love the most is the summer solstice.
While not technically a holiday, this particular day is one that I look forward to every year. The summer solstice is the longest day of the year. It provides us with a fuller opportunity to enjoy what the sun represents: strength, beauty and life. Just like the seasons, our lives follow a cycle of birth, growth, death, and rebirth. Summer is the season of agricultural growth, and can also be symbolic of personal growth. It is a wonderful time to nurture your potential as you would nurture a seedling. Now is the time to create a mind, body and soul practice that supports your personal growth.
Mind
The most important part of our day is the first half an hour. What we do at that time, can set us up for a positive day or one that feels rushed and stressed. In order to take control of what your day feels like, begin with setting an intention. Whether you wish to be more patient, compassionate, assertive, or kind, the morning is the best moment to create that intention. To set your body to the rhythm of the summer season, try to rise when the sun rises. There is something very calming and equally empowering, when we allow ourselves to be in sync with nature.
Body
Regular exercise is undoubtedly the best thing you could do for your body and mind. Yoga is a particular practice that enables you to connect with your body, improve your balance and strength, while establishing mental clarity and peace. A wonderful asana to practice is Sun Salutation. Translated from Sanskrit, Surya means "sun," and Namaskar means “to bow down to” or “show gratitude.” Hindus have used sun salutations during morning prayer for centuries. In our day to day lives, this can be a practice that not only honors the sun, but honors our bodies as well. The asanas involved in a sun salutation sequence are intended to open up all areas of the body and leave you feeling balanced. According to the website Byrdie and a 2015 study- after practicing Surya Namaskar for 20 minutes every morning for two weeks, college students suffering from stress symptoms were found to display far higher “physical relaxation and mental quiet” compared to those who didn’t take part in the daily practice. These same students described themselves as feeling more “at ease/peace, rested, and refreshed.”
Soul
Meditation is an ancient practice that is used to quiet the mind and relax the body. But for a lot of people, meditation is viewed as an elusive practice, one that is reserved for the disciplined few. Meditation isn't about becoming a better person, or a different person. Instead, it is simply the act of connecting to your inner self. When we meditate, we tap into a resource that can clear the mind to provide clarity and insight. To help facilitate this, combine meditation with deep breathing. Begin by sitting in a comfortable chair, in an area free from distractions. Start by inhaling deeply through the nose, then exhaling deeply out of the mouth. Do this until your body feels calm and relaxed. From this space, you have a better chance of quieting the mind.
These practices are a great way to welcome a summer of health and wellness.
Commentaires