Bringing mindfulness into our daily lives allows us to be present for moments that we may have otherwise missed. The end of the summer season is a perfect time to open up to our senses and the sheer delights of the world around us. Fall routines come back fast—focus sharpens, and productivity and expectations knock at the door. But summertime gives us an invitation to soften and sweeten our nature, to enjoy sumptuous moments and even return to our personal goals and inspirations with fervor.
From getting outdoors more to slower workflows and more time with family and friends, many of us are able to pause and appreciate life’s little pleasures. Here are some examples of how to embrace the art of slowing down and savor the abundance of summer:
1. Daily Meditation
Summertime is the perfect opportunity to explore new meditation and mindfulness practices. If you’ve never felt you had time to journal, try setting aside just five minutes to jot down your thoughts while sipping your morning coffee (even better, get outside for this activity). You may just find that you want to keep this alive for the fall and winter as well! Or perhaps create a new routine of taking an evening walk in silence, enjoying the warm weather, stunning sunsets, and the healing effects of birdsong on the brain. Even a few moments spent gazing at the stars or listening to the gentle rustle of leaves can become a meditation of its own.
Additionally, take a few moments at the beginning and end of each day to reconnect to your inner nature—your heart center—by recalling all of the things you’re grateful for and the things you're still looking forward to experiencing in your life. If you’d like to cultivate more compassion, join me for a free weekly practice each Sunday morning starting August 11th (Compassion for Self & Others meditation series). By weaving any of these practices into your life, you can cultivate a gentle summer habit that enhances your wellbeing and helps you savor the present moment.
2. Mindful Moments
Summer invites us to find new ways to be mindful and reconnect with our inner child. Its energy is light and playful, abundant and giving. For starters, simply being aware of how much of the summer season is left can be a powerful practice in itself, rather than just packing it full of activities, exhausting yourself, and waking up to the hustle of fall. With the time you have, consider expanding into the feeling of appreciation as much as possible. You might feel inspired to take up a new meditative activity that sparks joy, like flying a kite, taking a painting class, or visiting a farm. These activities can provide opportunities to discover mindful moments in the midst of play and creativity, and help contribute to mental wellbeing.
Think back to the endless summers of childhood, where each day was an adventure. Try embracing that spirit by engaging in activities that bring joy and wonder. By allowing yourself to be fully present, you can rediscover the simple pleasures of life and cultivate a sense of peace and happiness. Schedule one new playful event today so that you have new summertime memories to look forward to. Perhaps you'll even try something spontaneous—after all, summer is about letting the moment guide you.
3. Nature Walks
Nature has a magical way of grounding us and reminding us of life’s beauty and abundance, and this is especially true during the summer. While a nature walk is a wonderful way to connect with the outdoors, don’t stop there—expand your adventures! Plan a trip to the beach, take a dip in a lake or river, or plan to enjoy a summertime picnic in the park (why not invite friends you haven’t seen in some time?). You could have a meal outside on the grass, taking advantage of the grounding and earthing effect of the earth’s magnetic field.
While you're enjoying these outdoor activities, practice being mindful of the sensations you experience: the warmth of the sun on your skin, the coolness of the water, the textures and tastes of your picnic. Bask in the fresh air and sunshine, and revel in the abundance of blooming flowers and greenery. Let nature’s splendor inspire you to slow down and savor the richness of the season. You may find that many new insights come to you about how you think about things and how you live your life. Nature helps us heal and reflect when we can slow down and tune in. Allow yourself to be open to whatever lessons and joys the natural world has to offer.
4. Mindful Gardening
Gardening is a beautiful way to connect with the earth and cultivate mindfulness, and research proves that it’s a potent self-healing activity. But what if you don’t have outdoor space? Don’t worry—there are plenty of alternatives! You could find a community garden and volunteer for an hour or a day, helping to nurture plants and build connections with others. Or bring a touch of nature into your home by buying (or trading for) and planting a new houseplant or a mini fire escape garden.
Consider creating a small herb garden on a windowsill or nurturing succulents indoors. Caring for plants, whether indoors or outdoors, can be a meditative activity that brings joy and tranquility. It helps us see how when we plant our intentions and tend to them with care and love, we can experience the fruit of our actions. As you tend to your green friends, take a moment to appreciate the life force within them and the peace they bring to your space or community. Notice how the simple act of nurturing plants can be a reflection of nurturing your own inner garden, cultivating patience and joy.
As summer winds down, I want to urge you to take this opportunity to slow down and savor its abundance. By incorporating these mindfulness practices into your daily routine, you can embrace the present moment and discover more joy in the little things. Remember, the beauty of summer lies not only in its warmth and brightness but also in the invitation it offers to soften into and savor life’s simple, natural pleasures. So, let’s cherish the last days of summer, creating memories that linger long after the season has passed. Embrace the slowing of time as a gift, allowing each moment to enrich your life with gratitude and presence.
Do you have your own ways of slowing down and savoring summer? Have you discovered new mindfulness practices or activities that bring you joy? I’d love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other to make the most of this beautiful season.
Jessica Crow is the author of The Power of Guided Meditation and founder of CNTRD Wellness & CNTRD Meditation. She helps people harness the power of meditation and mindfulness to change their lives and the lives of others through practical classes and courses for the everyday practitioner and budding meditation teachers.
Comments