Summer…. the Season of Joy & Exuberance
Just as our planet Earth has the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, so do we humans have lives marked by differing seasons. Each phase or season gives us joy, triumphs, challenges and change. Recognizing each season of our life’s journey helps us to better understand it.
Spring is the season of beginnings. It’s a time of energy, new learning, and a sense of wonder, as is childhood and early adulthood.
Summer is the season of full bloom, as is mid-adulthood. You pursue your goals with determination, energy and vigor, mirroring the world as it is in full bloom.
Autumn is the season of transformation, as in later adulthood. You reflect, accept the ‘temporary’ journey of life and make real life changes.
Winter is the season of reflection, as in your senior years. It’s characterized by introspection, slowing down, reflection, the synthesis and integration of your life’s experiences and leaving legacies.
In all its seasons, with their highs and lows, ups and downs, you can see the beauty and complexity of the human life. In each season, there are unique lessons, experiences and transitions.
Within each season and between them, we have the opportunity and the ability to learn, grow, and transform. How great is this?!
When is Summer & What Happens:
In the Northern Hemisphere, summer begins June 21 to coincide with the summer solstice, which is one of the longest days of the year and when the sun is at its highest point in the sky.
Summer ends September 23 (most of the time). In the USA, we usually consider Labor Day as the final weekend of summer. In reality, the summer season ends after that, at the autumnal equinox. This is when the sun is at its zenith or directly above the equator.
For farmers, summer is important as it’s the time to sow seed for new crops, with a more favorable climate. Without summer, crops could fail, habitats could change, animals may have trouble finding food; with all this, life would be quite different.
Summer is a season of hope, optimism and adventure.
In this season, the earth tilts towards the sun, causing temperatures to rise and days to get longer.
Summer is the hottest and brightest (light) season, and occurs between spring and autumn.
What are the Deeper & More Symbolic Meanings of Summer?
Summer has various symbolic meanings, evoking joy, happiness and lightness with its warmer weather. It symbolizes growth and maturity as nature transitions from spring to a new phase of development. It represents adventure and exploration and is time for new activities, interests and curiosity.
It seems that summer’s warmth and brightness infuse us with a sense of joy and vitality. Kids are off from school and it’s vacation time for many families. Summer is associated with relaxation, carefree living, and leisure activities. It’s a time of play and leisure. We get to really relax and have the opportunity to enjoy the simple pleasures: running in the grass, looking at the clouds, swimming, having a good barbeque with friends, traveling, even in your own backyard……
Summer is a season of hope, optimism and adventure. It’s a time of renewal and abundance and a time of love and expansion. Even the leaves open up, as we do……….
In some spiritual traditions, summer is associated with the heart chakra, which governs love, connection and compassion.
Summer may have some of these various meanings:
-Renewal & growth: It can represent a time of renewal, growth and connection to nature, so vital to our health: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.
-Connection to nature’s Life Force: This may involve celebrating the sun and its power over nature.
-Hope: summer and its light and ease may remind folks that there’s hope in the world, which is quite needed at this present moment in the world.
-Creativity: The energy of the solstice sun can open people up to creativity.
-Gratitude: summer may reflect gratitude or grace in people’s souls.
Some Fun Summer Facts for Kids of All Ages:
-The word ‘summer’ comes from the Old English term ‘somer.’ This describes the time of year when summer arrived.
-Many, especially children, consider summer the best season. There’s time (and the weather) for various fun activities.
-The time that summer comes is different for the northern and southern Hemispheres. In the northern hemisphere, the summer is from June to September. The USA is in the northern hemisphere.
In the southern hemisphere (ie: South America, Australia, etc.), summer is from December to March.
--The expression, ‘Dog Days of Summer’ has its origins in astronomy. It’s related to the Dog Star ‘Sirius.’ This star is a part of a constellation known as the Greater Dog. We can see this star in the sky in July. For the ancient Greeks and Romans, this signified the coming of summer. They experienced the hottest days during this time.
-The first modern Olympics took place in 1896 in Athens, Greece and is known as summer Olympics.
-August is the best time for stargazing and meteor showers.
-Many birds and animals migrate to warmer weather regions from colder regions.
-People are very creative in the summer, so get out there and express your creativity……in whatever way suits you!
-A very important fact to make you smile 😊:
Daylight (sun) makes people happy! It’s a proven fact that folks are more content in the summertime. When sunlight increases, it affects us positively----good for our health and happiness, in every way!
Enjoy summer!
With smiles & love,
Dr Gigi
PS: I’d love to hear what you love (or don’t) about summer and how you spend it! Shoot me a message and find me @www.gigiarnaud.com
It would be great to learn what gives you joy, happiness, gets you in the flow and makes you feel sunny and smile! 😊
I now have availability for Hypnotherapy sessions & programs, as well as Coaching programs, so be in touch at gigiarnaud.com and Sign up for your Clarity call!
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