Summer is upon us! The Summer Solstice of 2011 occurs on June 21st. This marks the longest day of the year! Now THAT is worth celebrating! For centuries cultures have been celebrating the Summer Solstice with bonfires, dancing, spirit dancing, festivals, and staying up all night to welcome the dawn. Join in the celebration, bask in the extra hours of sunlight and get your community to get together! Summertime is a great opportunity to reach out in the community, get active in the outdoors and enjoy good quality meals.
Take time this summer to volunteer in your community. Whether it is a community garden, a food bank, a nursing home, a summer camp, a community event, or whatever it may be. There are always organizations in need of extra helping hands. Reach out to family and friends and make it a fun thing to do together!
Get out of the air conditioning and breathe some fresh air! Take a trip to a state, regional or national park. June 21st, there is free entry into National Parks! Take a day to hike, bike, paddle or run. Get some friends together and play a pick up game of baseball, soccer, volleyball or basketball. Get the kids involved, an active childhoods leads to healthier adulthoods and active children are more likely to remain interested in outdoors activities. Make time for a family camping trip or a nature walk. It’s as simple as taking a walk and spending some time at a near by park or playground.
The best part about summer is all of the fresh produce. Skip the grocery store for a few items and take a journey to your nearest farmer’s market. Impulse shop at fresh produce stands. Take the time to plant and harvest your own garden! Get your neighborhood together for barbecues and family style dinners or potlucks. Put down those frozen dinners and packaged meals, summer is a time to enjoy delicious raw produce and freshly cooked meals. Going out, ask to sit at an outdoor table!
Enjoying nature is an important part of summer. Let your kids, and inner child, run free and explore! Remember that taking care of our environment, our community, and ourselves are essentials. Enjoy all that summer has to offer! Happy Summer Solstice!
