This week was the Summer Solstice, my favourite day of the year - yes, really it is, I honestly prefer it to Christmas day. I chuckled when I saw online @russellbrand describe it as 'Hippie Christmas' but he's right.
Why do I love Midsummer Day so much? I guess putting aside for a moment its meaning in beliefs, philosophy & ancient history, its because it is free - in all senses of the word. Not commercialised, enforced fun, you don't have to buy or have 'stuff' its not advertised or used for monetary gain. Its a genuine, peaceful, simple celebration of the start of Summer of new chances, new beginnings and of a deeper connection to our earth, to nature and to ourselves.
In this modern world I think it's so good to observe something that people have been doing for thousands of years - following the signs of seasons change, the paths of the sun, the moon and the signs of nature. We have to maintain & spread that awareness if we are to have any hope of surviving as a planet, I deeply believe that. Its also worth remembering the Solstice is not actually a day instead, it’s a moment, when the sun is farthest north in our sky.
From the Aztecs to the Druids, the pagan festival of Litha to modern day revival Golowan in Cornwall peoples the world over have celebrated Solstice with traditions, folklore or religious ritual and they all share more than is different. Radiate light, letting go and being freed from hardship & pain, warding off the negative, being grateful to nature and a higher power...
For me it always marks a shift in the year, reminds me to get up & look forward - you may miss a stunning sunrise. That the light always drives out the dark and to be patient because Summer always comes.
Each time I practice yoga, I bow to the sun with Surya Namaskar (sun salutations) Surya means “sun” in Sanskrit, while Namaskar comes from Nama “to bow down”. The sequence of postures helps us align and be present to cultivate a meditative state.
I hope that as long as I am able that I make sure always to go in search of sunrise on Midsummer & that I am always open to learning, new starts and walking peacefully on this earth.
Images from this year at Beacon Hill, Leicestershire. For video head over to;
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