Summer is not my season. Every June I expand and open a little bit more to my least favorite time of year, aiming to give it another try, as if I had a choice. The season comes no matter my opinion of it. My attitude shifts to positivity yet still no matter what the heat, summer responsibilities, the agenda, and so many other details in between to continually remind me that this isn’t my preferred time of year. Instead of wishing it away I bring my rituals from other times of the year into the season to help keep my head above water.

A regular meditator, my practice really saves me in the summer. While my kids are in the pool, teaching swim lessons to little ones and attending their own team practices, I grab headphones and find a tree. Sitting in the shade I meditate. A challenge with pool noises in the background. But a challenge that enhances my practice. The music shifts me and draws me within. I focus on my breath. I am brought to my happy place.

I started coloring at the pool. An activity that calms me and gets me out of my head. I am reading a good murder mystery too. These three things help keep me from loosing it. Some can be totally happy siting at the pool amidst screaming children every day for four hours. Not me. So I plan ahead. I pack my bag of what will bring me peace. (Too early in the day for cocktails.)

I practice the things that I know facilitate a peaceful mind and I try new things to open my heart. It works. I hold a mostly full cup at the end of the day, ready for the next season but standing in this one.

Cheers, Jenny