I started my Summer Solstice with a Sun Stretch and Salutation. If you haven’t had the chance to do anything to celebrate this Summer Solstice, that’s ok, the Summer Solstice occurs every year between June 20 and June 22. So, allow yourself the space to welcome the summer.
I’m in Southern California, and this year we have had a rare occurrence of June gloom that has brought clouds and drizzle every day. So, I didn’t really see much of the sun, but still celebrated the arrival of summer. I woke up around 5 am. Went outside and did a Sun Stretch Salutation then a standing Salutation Seal. I then sat down to listen to the silence and sounds of nature for a few minutes – A sort of nature’s sounds Mindfulness Meditation and Breathing. Here are the steps you can take to do the same.
Sun Stretch Salutation
Stand with your feet together.
Stretch your arms out to your sides and face your palms up.
Gently lean back and look up like you would look up at the sun.
Take a deep breath and exhale.
Salutation Seal
Salute and seal the energy in our body.
While standing bring your palms together in front of your chest.
Take a deep breath and exhale (Optional to repeat 3 to 5 times).
Mindfulness Breathing and Meditation With Nature’s Sounds
Sit down comfortably, with your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
Put your hands on your knees.
Close your eyes
Take a deep breath, inhale, and exhale through your mouth.
Put all your attention to the sounds around you.
Try to give your attention to only nature’s sounds.
Notice what you hear.
If your mind wanders gently bring it back to the sounds.
Listen for 2 to 20 minutes.
When you are done, take a deep breath and exhale.
Gently open your eyes.