The Luxury of Summer
As Summer unfurls, many of us have been outdoors enjoying the sun and beauty of the season. The PNW offers so many wonderful and gorgeous experiences! As someone born and raised in Portland, I didn’t realize the anxiety that Summertime could cause til I moved to Florida for a couple of years. The fear of missing out on sunny days was constant! As great as it is to immerse oneself in the glory of Summer, living in the PNW had trained me to run out and soak up all the sun before it was gone. It was hard to relax and allow stillness with the constant nice weather. Do you feel this during the Summer months? So many adventures to be had, places to go, festivals, camping, biking, swimming, all the things! While making the most of the season is all well and good, do you take time to slow down while you are in the midst of it all?
I can think back to times where I was so consumed with getting from point A to B, that the beauty of what was around me was being completely overlooked. While on a bike packing trip, I was forced to slow down and wait for my riding partner. For an entire week, I spent this waiting time being frustrated. We had miles to get in! One day a little light went “bing” as I was waiting for my partner. I looked out at the ocean and the plants blowing gently in the wind. If it weren’t for having to wait, I would never slow down to take this in. The second week of the trip, I let myself enjoy and appreciate these little pauses.
A couple years after shifting how I experienced the outdoors, I found myself on a hike with a friend. There were no time constraints, yet he moved so quickly it was like something was chasing us. I could tell that my want to stop and look at the pattern of this plant or touch the bark of that tree was irritating. I saw my old self in his hurried pace to “get there”. How often do we rush without reason? We are conditioned to have purpose, be driven, accomplish and DO. What if the accomplishment is in the full enjoyment of the beauty around us?
I invite you to take the time while out adventuring, to slow down. Be curious about what the landscape wants to share with you. We are in constant communication with our beloved Earth, if we take the time to listen. Nature moves at it’s own pace. You too, are part of nature. We are not separate. We ARE nature. Bask in the luxury of nature’s pace and feel yourself coming home.
If you need help slowing down, calm your mind with this easy Bhramari pranayama (breathing exercise) that makes the sound of a humming bee. Less stress is just a breath away!
Bhramari pranayama is very effective at calming your mind instantly. It’s one of the best breathing exercises to rid your mind of agitation, frustration, and anxiety. It can also help to prevent anger. Since it’s a simple technique to perform, it can be practiced at work, at home, and anywhere in between. It’s an instant option available to de-stress yourself.
Wishing you a beautiful Summer!