“Here comes the sun, and I say, it’s all right.” The Beatles

And I couldn’t agree with George Harrison more.

The Summer Solstice marks the longest sunlight day of the year. Not only is this beautiful day the start of the summer season, it also offers up an opportunity for us to all to do some good old-fashioned reflection and to accelerate our growth in the coming months.

The word “Solstice” literally translates to mean “stand still” from the Latin word Solstitum. Yes, the sun pauses at its highest point over the northern hemisphere, and we should take every waking moment that we can to take advantage of this day. It’s a time to celebrate all walks of life, our personal growth, abundance, and new beginnings.

So let’s rise, Yogis, with these 6 things to do on the Summer Solstice.

6 Things To Do on the Summer Solstice

 

1. Rise with the sun

Yes, wake up early! This day happens once every 12 months and can set the tone for the back half of your year. It’s a great opportunity to dive into a new morning routine or read an article that you have been saving. Whatever it may be, take advantage of the natural light and life that is filling up this day.

And also, mentally, rise with the sun. Each day the sun rises and it sets. Some days it is brighter, while other days it may be dim.

Such is life, right?

But the key point here is the obvious one, the sun will rise again and so can you.

Life will throw ups and downs at us. And the highest of highs feel so great. And the lows are the times that challenge us. Can you agree that after a “low” in your life, you’ve come out of it stronger and more knowledgeable?

So, let the rise of the sun start your day with choosing to make this a powerful, strong, and healthy day.

 

2. Spend time outside

As soon as your day allows, step outdoors and breathe deep. Lift your gaze skyward and feel the morning air on your face or listen to the bird’s chirp. Or kick off your shoes and walk barefoot in the grass and intentionally feel the ground below your feet.

What do you notice? What do you feel?

The Summer Solstice is when we are the closest to the sun. Can you feel the energy of the sun fueling the air, the energy of the birds, the green grass below your feet?

Can you feel the energy within yourself?

Try closing your eyes, even for a moment, and tune in to feel your own life force (prana) rising and falling. Just like the sun.

3. Do yoga

We call it Sun Salutations for a reason! Sun Salutations, or Surya Namaskar, is done in honor of the sun and is a moving prayer for good health and also honors the life the sun gives us.

As we rise up in Tadasana (Mountain Pose), as well as Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward Facing Dog), we honor the rise of the sun. As we bow forward, we honor the sun setting and the dim days that pushes us to grow.

 

4. Reflect and Journal

After your Sun Salutations or meditation, take some time to reflect on all that you have accomplished so far this year. Note the big wins and the small. Document the abundance that is around you, and see where you can attract more.

Because the seeds you have planted, though you may not realize it, have gotten you to this point.

And now is the time to nurture what motions you have put in place to grow them to whatever intentions you have set for yourself.

Similar to how Farmers plant their seeds in the spring and their crops grow in the summer, how can you take advantage of the long sunny days to do the work that you need.

 

5. Set Intentions for Forward Movement and Growth

It is convenient that the Summer Solstice happens mid-way through the year. From your reflection you just did for step 4, how are you tracking with the intentions you set at the beginning of this year?

Do they still resonate with you? Have you evolved beyond what you set out to do? Or do you need to dig deep and prioritize your own personal growth?

Reconnect with where you are TODAY. Not yesterday or last year, but where you are right now on your journey. And ask yourself, how do I want to feel? What will make me feel authentic to myself and will push me to grow in the next 6 months?

Intention setting has the ability to completely change the trajectory of your life. I know, because it has worked for me. Read more about intention setting here and grab your free, modern-day, intention setting guide below.

6. Give gratitude for what life has given you

The bottom line is we are living and breathing today. We have so much to be thankful for, even when the sun is not shining bright on a particular day.

Fully embrace everything that you love about life. Your yoga practice, your family and friends, even the smell of your tea in the morning. 

Live fully and give gratitude that we are so lucky to do so.

The Summer Solstice is a moment for everyone. Unlike New Year’s where it happens during different time zones, the Summer Solstice is also a reminder that we are in this together and we experience the rise and fall of the sun together.

We have a new beginning each day to live with our own internal fire to be the best possible version of us that we can.

Breathe deep and smile.

Rise up, Yogis.