By Jennifer Bews
It’s the season of outdoor living and I am soaking it in. Nothing makes being a mother of small children more fun and (a little more effortless) then being outside in the sunshine. The sun really shows up this time of year shining its glorious life-giving energy into all it touches. I doubled down this season and hosted a 5-day Summer Solstice Mini Yoga Retreat near my garden to celebrate the transition from an energizing spring into the patience of summer. It was an incredible reminder of the patient and nourishing season of summer that prepares us for the inward journey of autumn and winter. The cycle of nature is a healthy indication that the busy-ness of our lives isn’t sustainable. The shift from season to season can inspire us to reflect on our personal growth and the release of old patterns. So, for this season’s round up, I hope to encourage you to do just that.
1.) Reflect. Here are a few of the journal prompts I shared with my summer solstice yoga students:
a. What are three things you’d like to let go of moving into summer?
b. What does a perfect summer day look like to you? Who are you with? What are you doing?
c. What are your favourite ways to relax and slow down? How can you incorporate more of it into your week?
d. What seeds did you ‘plant’ this year that you’ve begun to see bloom or flourish?
2.) Move your body. One of my favorite ways to get some light exercise, while simultaneously socializing and being outside is none other than golf. The Eston Riverside Regional Park Golf Course is naturally my favourite course with its beautifully groomed fairways and interesting obstacles. The sponsored evenings in the month of July are always a delight. Tuesday evenings are for the ladies, Wednesdays for the men and Thursdays is mixed.
3.) Engage with old things or something that someone worked many hours on. If you had a chance to read my last column, I took a road trip down to visit Erin Kinder at Kinder Suprises Antique Village near Davidson. The village itself is awe inspiring, and there is sure to be a treasure to cross off that wedding or birthday gift list.
4.) Visit some place new. I finally made my way down to Moose Jaw. My mom got us tickets to see Shania Twain, which was a thrill in itself. But Moose Jaw – what a ‘notorious’ city. This place had countless things to do – it doesn’t have the nickname ‘Little Chicago’ for nothing. Bursting with culture, food, art, and experiences, I was blown away. I was only in town for one night, but I promised I’ll be back – especially for the Fired Up sandwich and Lavender latte at Evolve Café and the halibut at The Grant Hall Hotel – delicous.
5.) Shake don’t stir. I recently received a cocktail shaker from a friend for my birthday and it has been such a fun gift. I found and fell in love with the best Paloma cocktail recipe ever and can’t wait to make it again (a mocktail version also hits). We don’t have access to fancy cocktail bars on the regular and so I encourage you to take matters into your own hands and treat your friends and family.
6.) Rest your mind. The weight of overthinking can be exhausting. Ayushi from the Milk and Cookies Substack invites you to say to yourself, “that’s enough for the day”. Love her piece, titled, “a guide to emotional hygiene for overthinkers”.
7.) Find something to enjoy about the things that are outside your control. During the summer months there are still some things that you’ll have to do that maybe you just don’t wanna do. If you have a few of those, I promise if you choose to enjoy at least one part of the ‘thing’ you’ll end up having a far better experience then you anticipated. Choosing your perspective always makes for a fun time.
8.) Create something with your hands. Whether it’s in the garden or at an art studio, make time to make things. Nothing builds confidence like crafting something with your hands.
9.) Make food for someone you love. Whether you are the primary cook in your house or not, you need to have at least a couple recipes for every season in your arsenal. Find one or two go to’s to impress at the next patio picnic. The potato salad recipe from Love and Lemons is amazing – I highly recommend.
10.) Visit with someone who romanticizes their life. I’ve found myself venting in a lot of conversations recently, and I’m beginning to tire of ‘my poor me’ perspective. Every time I visit my Grandpa Kenny his perspective on his life is always “just a dandy”. He is an inspiration every visit. Try to find more time for people like that in your life.
As always, thank you for your time. I appreciate the opportunity to write for you and I hope you are enjoying the patient, nourishing season of summer. You deserve it.
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