Welcome friends and Happy Summer Solstice. Tomorrow is the longest day of the year. We have what feels like infinite minutes of sunshine and daylight to do what your heart desires. It’s a day of new beginnings, sunshine, optimism and a bright outlook for tomorrow. 

I was born on the winter solstice December 21st, six months from the summer solstice. It’s the shortest day of the year with the least amount of daylight and sunshine. For that reason I’ve always been fascinated with the summer solstice, and why I chose this time to launch my blog and brand new lifestyle. 

The Summer Solstice feels like the perfect day to reinvent yourself, to begin again, to have gratitude for all that has passed but to move forward smiling into the light. 

Here’s a list of ten free or almost free things to do to kick off the celebration and honor the season  that begins on the summer solstice. Gaze on into joy, creativity and wonder my sunbeam friends, preferably with a refreshing cool drink served in a pretty glass.

Mobile Meditation + Nature Walk + Coffee + Nature Photo Shoot
Go for a long nature walk outside. Let your mind wander as you take in the sights, sounds, and scents of the great outdoors. Make sure you have your phone camera ready to capture the beauty of mobile meditation. 

2. Sit Under a Tree with a Juicy Beach Read or an Inspiring Self-Development Book
Find your favorite shady spot under a tree or sit next to flowers blooming in the sunshine. Take in the gift of nature as you escape with a juicy read or find reflection and inspiration in a new self development book or audio book. 

3. Get Wet
Splash your feet in a stream, hose yourself ( and someone else ) in the backyard, take a quick dip in a public pool, or run through a sprinkler like you’re a kid again; because to play in water is summer’s way of releasing your stresses and cleansing your mind and soul. 

4. Make Vegan Peach Cobbler
Summertime fruit + simple ingredients = a cozy kitchen creativity that feeds your body and your spirit. Bonus points if you share it with a neighbor or friend. I will be sharing my simple recipe soon, stay tuned.

5. Go for a Day Trip in Your Own City
Become a tourist in your hometown. Visit a park, museum (free days!), or a quirky neighborhood you’ve never explored. You don’t have to go far to feel illuminated. Sometimes magical moments are found in your own backyard. 

6. Host Outdoor Coffee, Conversation & Pastries
Invite a friend or two for a chill morning or afternoon hangout outside. Keep it simple, brew some coffee, grab some vegan pastries, and talk about life, dreams, or just revel in moments of friendship. 

7. Start One Thing on Your Bucket List
That book you want to write, the dance move you want to learn, or the garden you want to start, plant the seeds now. Take one tiny step today to water your dreams and soon you will see the fruition of all of your hard work. 

8. Random Acts of Kindness Challenge
Celebrate the solstice by sharing kindness with others. Hold a door open, pay a compliment, bake cookies for your neighbors or co-workers, leave a note for a stranger, or send a heartfelt text to someone who needs it. Small gestures, big heartbeats.

9. Picnic with a Playlist
No fancy cooler? No problem! Swing by the grocery store, grab simple snacks (fruit, nuts, crackers, maybe some vegan cheese), and head to your favorite outdoor spot. Bring a playlist of summer jams, lay back, and let the good vibes roll. Bonus if you do this with someone you love. 

10. Outdoor Yoga or Stretch Session
Roll out a mat or a towel, find a quiet spot in the sun or shade, and follow a free online yoga flow or simply stretch your body intuitively. Breathe deeply and soak in the sun’s healing energy.

Bonus: Star Gazing & Storytelling Night
As the sun sets on the longest day of the year with the most sunlight, lay on a blanket and gaze up at the stars. Say a little gratitude mantra and feel the vastness of the universe spark your dreams. Feel that? That’s the beautiful experience of being alive. Capture that feeling like it’s a firefly. 

Love and Light

With Gratitude,

Rose

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