We are officially in summer! The summer solstice was 4:24pm on Sunday, June 21, 2026, the longest day of the year, when the northern pole of Earth is pointing as close to the sun as it gets before it starts reversing its motion, moving back toward its wintertime position. It’s therefore the warmest time of summer and, of course, has its connection with the sun. And of course it gives us a good reason to celebrate!
Soon we will be celebrating the 4th of July. All things that go with summer, friends, and family getting together, enjoying this time, and of course, remembering those loved ones with whom we have celebrated who are in spirit. Remembering especially those who have lost loved ones serving our country. All my uncles and my father served in the military. I’m sure you’ve heard me share how my mother was very involved in the American Legion, serving as president for over 10 years. She was also involved in the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars). Thus, July 4th was a very big deal where I had to sometimes march in the local parade with those boots that kill your feet!
I’ve learned over the years that many families plan on using this time to get together when other times of the year are not possible. For one, you can travel by car without worry of “bad” weather, well, at least not snow!
July certainly also invites us to be outside. Speaking of which, I just came across an article about forest bathing. It’s a custom in Korea and Japan. The article shares many huge benefits.
We know that spending time in the forest has wonderful health benefits from lowering stress, lowering pulse rate, and blood pressure, while it improves your nervous system.
One Stanford University study had participants do a memory test before and after either a nature walk or a walk in an urban area. Those who walked in nature improved their performance on the second memory test. Whereas the urban walkers had no improvement.
The same test improved their vitality, and it was not the exercise, but the communing with nature. It also reduces negative thoughts. After all, how can one walk in the woods, looking at all those beautiful green, green trees, flowing streams, listening to birds, and seeing butterflies be anything but uplifting? In the same studies, people who lived in urban areas where there were parks and greenery had less mental stress and illness.
Whenever I do conferences, the best ones are those that offer something like walks by the water that allow the best extra benefits to connect with loved ones. We can tune into the signs nature shows us in connecting with loved ones…and how this comes up in our dreams, walks, and mentally opening our minds and hearts.
So, where is Suzane going with all this? Well, kids, if I have to spell it out, it’s this. Summer is that time to think like kids again, put a skip in your step…see your loved ones in spirit walking by your side. If they fished, there has to be a river, lake, or pond nearby to be reminded of those times. If they garden, find a garden and walk by, basking in the sun, while looking at all those colors. There are gardens everywhere, and I mean everywhere, yes, even in all cities.
If you live near the ocean and never ever go there, shame on you … you’re missing many a sunrise or sunset. I promise all of you it will make whatever is hurting deep inside or feeling lost, just breathe in all that is beautiful, the part where your loved ones are wanting you to know what is truly important, and free…yes…free, nature is everywhere and everywhere is where our loved ones are. The only cost is to get there!
I’ll be enjoying every moment in my garden, waiting patiently for those divine Tomatoes, Cukes, (mozzarella salads), and tons of greens and herbs. Yum!
I’ll be connecting with many of you as well.
Don’t let the summer slip by, so go just have fun. I promise you’ll thank me.
Warmly with love,
Suzane
