Here Comes the Sun


On Friday the sun reached its zenith and marked the start of summer. In the Northern Hemisphere, we welcome the celebratory summer solstice and reflect upon the blessings we received through the dark seasons, and we look toward new growth in the new season. The sun brings gladness, warmth, new beginnings, and edifying endings.

In ancient times, on the summer solstice men and women would gather from different continents and pray for a bountiful harvest, fertility, prosperity, and abundance. At high noon they would give honor to the sun’s power to create and to sustain life. They would bolster the sun's power with bonfires and other traditions. Today, we may still give honor and recognition to the sun’s power to sustain us agriculturally and personally.

Whether literally or figuratively, we can always celebrate new beginnings and endings. Living in the northern hemisphere and enduring a hard, dark winter can leave us depleted and yearning for the bright, warm energy of the sun. There is much research on seasonal affectiveness disorder and how we respond differently to the lack of sun and vitamin D. Anyone who enjoyed a tropical escape this winter can attest to the immediate, elevating effects the sun-infused in them and sustained them upon their return.

So here’s the thing, ironically, the summer solstice is the day the sun reaches its peak, but it is also the day that ushers in shorter days that yields to darker, colder days.  When darkness has fallen, we know that the sun is still shining someplace else. The sun may be hidden behind clouds, or in a full solar eclipse, or sinking behind the horizon, but we know that despite how the sun appears in the moment, it will return in time and in full power.

Exercise:
When you’re going through the dark shadowy phases, if your judgment is cloudy, know that this is temporary. Reframe those thoughts: It’s only cloudy right now. It’s only dark for the moment. And recall the times when the light did shine so brightly upon you.

Ponder this:
During those dark, shadowy days ask yourself what lesson do I need to learn or relearn?

When the sun is shining brightly upon you, ask yourself, what are the cues telling me to do?
How am I making a difference?
Am I casting shadows on others?

My Life’s Lesson: No matter what, the sun is always shining somewhere. The sun does not discriminate and is fully impartial, making no distinction between the weak and the strong or the good and the bad. Furthermore, the sun rises above it all, and it knows when to bow out.  

.From the sweetest spot in my heart to yours, may the sun blow a warm kiss on your darkest days.
Audrey xo

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