By: Asma Shums,
If the season of spring was for new beginnings, summer is the season of growth. As the temperatures
begin to rise, so does the light in most of our homes. Everything grows quickly as the rays of the sun appear to expand everything they touch. Leaves continue to get bigger and greener every day that you see them, flowers are sprouting from every corner, life finds a way to grow between concrete cracks, and the birds begin to sing every day.
Spring taught us positivity–a reminder that dark clouds aren’t here to stay. Every day gets a little longer and a little brighter. Summer teaches us to stretch in our growth and to embrace the brightest time of the year and our life. It empowers us to embrace our personal growth where we reminisce about the things we overcame during the winter and how the sunny weather is a time to celebrate wholeheartedly.
Most of us eagerly wait for summer to begin because of the longer days, the seemingly endless time to meet our loved ones, organize get-togethers, catch up on our travelling, and take pleasure in the little things of life. We don’t think twice to get ice cream, going for a late dinner, shopping for new treasures, or buying expensive items such as cars with hopes we can take it for an upcoming trip. It is for that reason a season of growth. It should be the beginning and the end of our seasons as we stretch into a mood or
sentiment of growth until next year. So how can we stretch the good moods for longer?
Balance
Where most seasons have their distinctive characteristics, summer can fall at the extreme end of either relaxation or intense summer activities. While many of us don’t have long hours to work, our summer seasons are usually jam-packed with projects, children’s activities, summer camps, barbeques, camping, get-togethers, and increased activity at our place of work. Some of us are the opposite where we have many days spent relaxing on the beach or at a park, enjoying the peaceful moments of watching the world go by and being with our own self. The summer months are a lesson in having a balance between the two worlds and partaking in it with no guilt.
Living in the Moment
Those two extremes show us that time is precious. It is more than okay to do nothing. It’s a reminder to be with us and trust our body and the universe telling us what we need. The non-activity moments where you connect with yourself and your feelings, thoughts, wants, and needs give you the chance to connect with your authentic self. Or if you are someone who thrives in making the most – this is also living in the moment. You don’t have to choose one or the other or reserve parts of yourself to a particular time of the year. This season teaches you to trust your inner voice and enjoy the moment
you’re in no matter what that is.
Warmth
The sunny skies bring out the sunny side of most people. Many of us are happier, kinder, and nicer to others during the summer. It may be the Vitamin D or the excitement of trips and new beginnings of the season but is usually short-lived in many of us. Although the long warm days will eventually shorten, we should learn to keep some of the warmth with us throughout the year. Many of us find our moods following the seasons and we must hold the lessons from each close to us.
Take the lessons from summer to be the sunshine on someone’s cloudy day. Having some of the warmth in you teaches you to embrace the sunny moments in life but also prepared for upcoming thunderstorms of life. It could mean keeping up with your loved ones’ birthdays and celebrations, taking time out to meet people or do activities regardless of unpleasant weather, or appreciating the beauty of a different season.
Abundance Mindset
The summer season is not just colourful sunsets or outfits but colourful foods. Most of us look forward
to the mangos, pineapples, green vegetables, apples, peaches, blueberries, and so many of nature’s finest creations during winter. The plants and flowers grow, and the world has more colour. In the summer sun, an abundance of the earth is not just an illusion or the ideal but a reminder that it is a season of giving. It would be a lesson to take for the rest of the year. Having an abundance mindset means looking at something like a cherry tree as not just a tree giving fruits during the summer but providing sustenance to the earth with its pits and a chance for new life to emerge. Imagine leading a life of harmony with nature and embodying this abundance outlook as a guiding force for life.
Reflect and feel free to share with me at: asmashums@gmail.com
JUST CHILL
Q: How do we know that the ocean is friendly?
A: It waves!
Q: What is the best day to go to the beach?
A: Sunday!
