Summer solstice celebration ideas
Honoring the change in seasons is a powerful way to keep you living holistically. It reminds us to take time for a pause in our technology focused world and notice what’s happening in nature. That is why I’m sharing with you 5 summer solstice celebration ideas that are simple and easy ways for you to honor the shift to the summer season.
What is the summer solstice?
The summer solstice marks the first day of summer and it also happens to be the day of the year that the sun shines for the longest. The winter solstice is the longest night of the year and the summer solstice is the longest day of the year. Due to this fact, you’ll find that many of the summer solstice celebration ideas provided will honor the sun and the light it provides for us.
The sun allows everything in our world to thrive and grow .
This year (2023), in the northern hemisphere, the summer solstice will occur on June 21st. The suggestions below can be performed on this day but if you miss it, no worries they can also be done on the surrounding days!
Honoring the shift in seasons
Recognizing and honoring the change in seasons is an easy yet effective way to keep yourself aligned with nature. There’s often a disconnect between humans and nature in modern times, but we are beings of this Earth which means we are naturally connected to it’s cycles. I think when we’re disconnected from the cycles of nature, it’s difficult for the body and mind to thrive and be healthy. By simply taking some time to honor the shift in seasons, you’re reminding your body and mind of it’s connection with nature and this Earth which can have a really healing effect.
Below you’ll find ideas on how to honor the shift to the season of summer. Choose one or multiple ideas to work with. Some of the ideas listed below will literally take you less than one minute (tip #4), but even something this small can have a strong impact on you.
Simple doesn’t mean that it’s not powerful. Often when we try to make things too complex, we don’t get them done. It may be difficult to find the time to do a complex ritual which is totally understandable, so just keep it simple. That way you still take the time for a mindful moment without putting so much pressure on yourself. Now, let’s get onto our summer solstice celebration ideas!
5 Simple Summer Solstice Celebration Ideas
1. Perform Sun Salutations
Sun salutations (also known as surya namaskar) are a perfect ritual to honor the summer solstice. Sun salutations are often used as warm-up in vinyasa yoga practices but they actually have deep meaning when you perform them consciously and with purpose.
This idea will be a little bit of a workout as well so if you’re not feeling that, move onto the next tips!
When sun salutations are performed repeatedly in a row with focus, they become like a moving meditation. For this reason, they are a nice way to get into a meditative state while moving which can be great for individuals who struggle to sit for meditation.
When you perform your sun salutations, focus on honoring the sun and the light & life it brings us. If you can do this outside during the day, that’s even better but this will also be a powerful practice if done indoors. If you are dong this indoors, see if you can do this by a window.
I have a video that guides you through performing sun salutations as a moving meditation so if you’d like more guidance on this as well as something to follow along with, check out this video here: Sun Salutation Moving Meditation Practice
2. Meditate in the Sunlight
This is a beautiful way to connect with the power of the sun on summer solstice. Meditate facing the sun and feel the sun shining on you. Keep your eyes closed while meditating for your eyes safety. I love to do this in general in the warmer months especially on days that I am up early in the morning.
Of course remember sun safety, wear SPF if you need and keep this as a short meditation. When I meditate with the sun shining on me, I usually just do this for 5 minutes or so.
3. Journal or take time for gratitude for what brings light into your life
For this tip, if you enjoy journaling, you can choose to write down what brings light into your life. Or, feel free to just take a moment for gratitude and offer thanks for what brings you light.
Remember, the summer solstice is the day where the light shines for the longest so it’s the perfect time to honor what is light in your life.
4. Greet the sun at sunrise & say farewell at sunset
Just the act of welcoming the sun into the day and saying farewell to it as it turns to night can help you to connect with the power of this solstice. As I stated earlier in this post, you don’t need to do anything extravagant to honor the day.
Something as simple as this tip will help you to feel connected to the cycles of nature. But this tip may be more for the morning people out there. Maybe I’ll do this one if I can take a nap after….
5. Spend time by plants or a garden contemplating how light brings life
The sun provides us all with life. The base of this life comes down to the vegetation of this planet. Without plants, we wouldn’t survive. Without sunlight, plants wouldn’t survive.
Notice how the plant life is thriving this time of year. Contemplate the power of the sun and offer it gratitude for providing us with life on this planet.
There you have 5 different summer solstice celebration ideas. The more you take time to pause and recognize the shift in the seasons, the more you see beauty in all times of the year. I hope you all enjoy this day and use these tips to honor and welcome the summer.
Summer solstice blessings to you all!
