The summer solstice is when the Sun reaches its highest position in the sky and it is the day with the longest period of daylight. Within the Antarctic circle (for the southern hemisphere), there is continuous daylight around the summer solstice. In the same way that spring is alive, thriving with plants growing intensely and animals giving birth, summer is alive too. But these two seasons differ greatly.

For me summer is strong, bold and confident, almost arrogant in its display of colour and heat, and the noise of insects. Spring seems like its more timid, yet equally colour sibling. Spring is the season of beginnings and blooming and of the birth of life of many animals and plants, whereas summer throws a paint ball at your face and laughs as you try to dodge it.

At this stage of the summer, I was feeling (and continue to feel, to some degree) in limbo. I resigned from my former job in September, and promised myself a couple of months off to take care of myself, and finish my online course. Unfortunately, as things do, this time stretched on a wee bit further than I meant it to. Once December was half-way over, I realised I might need to prepare to be jobless until mid January (even though this logic may not have been well-founded). My feelings of anxiety had swelled significantly and I didn’t feel at all grounded.

I felt as though my feelings were contrasting with the boldness of summertime. The trees were becoming more green, and the days were becoming longer and hotter, yet I was becoming less sure of myself, and less confident in stepping outside my comfort zone. I needed to reconnect with the spiritual side of myself, in order to not lose myself completely.

Fortunately, a service was coming up at my favourite local church. The service was to focus on the Summer Solstice, and how that affects our daily lives. As with many cultures that still celebrate the seasons, I like to celebrate the solstice, to bring my mind’s attention to the power and effect that the Sun has over our world, especially at this time. I want to celebrate the glory of summer while observing the wondrous fertility of the natural world around me.

.This church combines liberal catholic and celtic christian beliefs ina beautiful way, which complements both christianity and celtic beliefs. I enjoy attending the services with my father, who finds solace in the Christian elements of the service. I find my own peace in the celtic nature-focussed content, as well as the intriguing historical insights that the Reverend makes in his sermons. Together we enjoy connecting with our spiritual sides and enjoying each other’s company at the same time.

In attending this sermon I was able to connect with my spiritual side in a way that was such a great relief to my anxiety. I came to communion with thankfulness for all of the great things in my life that I have been provided with including, but not limited to: a great supportive family, wonderful friends, a nice place to live, and the beautiful forests, ocean, and volcanic hills that surround my home. I found Peace.

I left the church with a renewed energy for my future endeavours. Namely, those of getting a job about which I am passionate, and travelling to further educate myself on my own strengths and weaknesses, and on the various cultures and peoples around the world. I felt stronger

I challenge you to take a moment to find peace in your current situation: whether it be a positive one or not, particularly if it is not. Speak to yourself with words of kindness and love until you find the strength to take a step, then another, towards the path you wish to walk. And bring that strength to those around you.

Season’s blessings,

Janine.