Many Americans have been celebrating summer for weeks now – Memorial Day has come and gone, and most schools have ended for the year. But the official start to summer, the summer solstice, doesn’t take place until Tuesday, June 21 this year. Not only is the solstice the longest day of the year, but it is also a sacred day in many ancient traditions around the world, from Greeks to Mayans to Pagans, and more. If you haven’t gotten into the summer spirit quite yet, or don’t know how to, we’ve compiled a list of summer solstice rituals that you might want to partake in next Tuesday. Try one or try them all and enjoy the most sunlight we’ll have all year.
- Set intentions – Take a note from mother nature herself, and use this as a time to let yourself bloom. If you decided to forgo New Year’s Resolutions, the summer is a great time to set new intentions for how you’d like to move through the coming seasons. Brainstorm or journal about a few gentle intentions and why they speak to you.
- Light a bonfire – Several ancient traditions celebrated the solstice with fire ceremonies to honor the sun. Invite a few friends over for a bonfire to ring in the season and celebrate your community. If you want to lean into the more spiritual side of a fire ritual, you might write down a list of things that no longer serve you and burn it in the fire, symbolically leaving unwelcome burdens in the past.
- Visit the beach – Beachgoing is the ultimate summer activity, and going for a chilly dip in Lake Michigan is another great way to symbolically cleanse yourself of anything you don’t want to take with you into the next season. Invite a few friends, pack a picnic, read a book in the sand, and most importantly, get in the water, even for just a minute. So far, the forecast looks sunny, so don’t forget your sunscreen!
- Garden – Many cultures recognize the solstice as a symbol of the potential for a good harvest. The solstice is a perfect day to tend to any plants growing outside, whether it’s a vegetable garden or decorative flower beds. Pull the weeds that have crept up, give your plants some water, and prune back any dry and dying leaves or branches. Haven’t planted a garden yet? Read our last post for tips on how to start one!
- Get outside – Every activity on this list has something in common: they’re best enjoyed outdoors. If none of the activities on this list appeal to you, find something that does! Go for a jog after work, read a book in the hammock, kayak down the river, or simply try walking from errand to errand instead of driving. Starting Wednesday, days will slowly begin to get shorter until the winter solstice in December, so get outside and enjoy the sun while it’s here.
The start of summer conjures a few of our favorite ingredients for the perfect wellness cocktail: socializing with loved ones, growing, making, and eating good food, and just generally getting outside. As summer begins, we encourage you to observe what makes you feel best. How do you celebrate the start of summer? We’d love to know! Leave a comment with your favorite solstice ritual, or tag us on social media @workbenchmke.
