As the summer solstice approaches in the Northern hemisphere, I’ve been feeling the expansion of sunlight in my body – the earlier dawns and later dusks – as tomorrow readies itself to inhale and expand its lungs to its fullest capacity.

An apex; an inflection point. Everything feels more alive.

With so much sensation, I've been struggling to put words to why this time of year lights me up so much, but this poem by Tess Taylor does something close to capturing what I love about it.

Does it resonate for you, too?

Solstice

How again today our patron star
whose ancient vista is the long view

turns its wide brightness now and here:
Below, we loll outdoors, sing & make fire.

We build no henge
but after our swim, linger

by the pond. Dapples flicker
pine trunks by the water.

Buzz & hum & wing & song combine.
Light builds a monument to its passing.

Frogs content themselves in bullish chirps,
hoopskirt blossoms

on thimbleberries fall, peeper toads
hop, lazy—

Apex. The throaty world sings ripen.
Our grove slips past the sun’s long kiss.

We dress.
We head home in other starlight.

Our earthly time is sweetening from this.

~

Dreamy, no? Kind of like this Maxfield Parrish painting, entitled Sunrise 1933:

The summer solstice is my favorite holiday: the blooms, vibrant colors, saturated flora.

The spaciousness the late sunsets generously afford us.

The sun, like a benevolent aunt or uncle, saying, “Of course, my darling, here, have some more.”

The sweetness, the ripening.

This time of year reminds me of nectarine and mango, taking that first luscious bite.

Today and tomorrow, I invite you to bring your attention to, and honor, all that’s been ripening this year within you.

What in your life is ready to be plucked and savored with simple joy right now?

Take some time. Feel the warmth on your skin. See if you can let something settle within you.

And then, whatever that sun-ripened thing is, in whatever way feels right, pluck it.

And take your first bite.

Love note complete,

Caitlin

P.S. If you’d like support in finding more deliciousness and delight in your life, career, or business, I’m here. Sign up for a discovery call and we can chat about how to get you into a life you actually love.