If like so many of us, how to live a life you love is important to you, this is the season for a renewed spirit of reflection and optimism with the arrival of the first day of summer.
The longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere (June 21st) is also known as International Yoga Day (a shout out to all my fellow yogis : ) and shares special significance in many parts of the world.
In yogic culture it is seen as the transition to Dakshinayana or the sun’s southern run as it begins to trace a southward movement in the northern hemisphere of the planet.
We are moving in to a six month period of the feminine phase of the earth where we are in receptive form. Dakshinayana is the time for purification and of receptivity.
During this time it is said that the earth is in a phase of intimacy and plays her role as a woman, which is why many festivals surrounding feminine energy generally begin around this time.
It is also a time when the lower chakras, considered the chakras of matter, which “root” us to the earth, can be purified more easily. Physically these chakras keep the body stable and “grounded.” The more balanced these centers are, the more our qualities will become in tune with nature. These include:
- Muladhara (root/base chakra) – stability, security, and basic needs
- Svadhishthana (sacral chakra) – creativity, feelings, and pleasure
- Manipura (solar plexus/naval chakra) – personal power, desire, and inner strength
The sun’s southern run is very essential to understanding and being in tune with the movement of the cosmic body and it’s connection to the physical body.
This is also considered a time of great natural support in pursuing spirituality. Some types of practices we may benefit from during this phase include, yoga, meditation, chanting, eating a vegetarian diet, and engaging in charity activities. It’s also a time to soak up as much light as possible, especially natural sunlight.
I really enjoyed this summer solstice guided meditation on YouTube today, and I hope it makes you feel renewed too : )
Realizing that we’re already half way through the year is also kind of a wake up call to ask ourselves what it is we want to do for the next six months. This is a great time to look back and really be proud of ourselves and how much we’ve already accomplished this year, to be grateful for where we are, and to really get clear on how we want to use our renewed energy, optimism, and vigor.
If you really want to harness this energy, here are some questions you can ask yourself:
- What projects are really needing my attention?
- Which relationships need nurturing energy?
- What new beginnings do I desire to start?
- What do I want to nurture, honor, and celebrate?
4 Soulful Practices That Show You How to Live a Life You Love
If you want to get really clear on how you want to move forward and harvest these things in your life, here are a few of my favorite things that show you how:
Soul Limber Yoga Practice – A 60-minute yoga practice guiding you on a journey of getting to the root of your desires.
The Creation Space Meditation Kit – This meditation including journal exercises, is about basking in the energy of the divine feminine principle to feed your creative energy.
The Desire Map Book – THE holistic guide with exercises that teach you how to dig deep to uncover and connect with your core desired feelings/internal guidance system to design a life that’s a true expression of your soul.
The Love + Radiance Meditation Kit – This meditation is about nurturing your inner child and bringing it into a sacred healing space. The focus is on compassion and softly become a mighty force in the world.
Happy Summer Solstice and International Yoga Day friends! May you harness the energy of this time of year with renewed vigor, receptivity, the beauty of the sunlight, and ultimately live a life you love.