For the Summer Solstice, I had the joy of co-hosting a community ceremony and celebration with my dear friends Lori and Dawn—an opportunity to pause, realign with what matters most, and welcome the gifts of summer with open hearts.
Together, we created personal scrolls to offer into the sacred fire, releasing what no longer served us. We then rested on Mother Earth as Dawn guided us through a beautiful sound bath, inviting us into the stillness of Presence, held within the embrace of the forest.
To close our gathering, we invited each participant to write a single sentence describing the essence of summer on an index card. Our lovely high school friend, Cora, gathered the cards and read them aloud as our closing benediction.
I offer these reflections to you as an invitation to pause, enter your own Holy Now, and discover what gifts might be waiting for you.
Summer is both a season… and a way of being.
The Essence of Summer
June 2026 @ Solstice Gathering: A Community Co-creation
Steamy hot golden rays of sunshine
The hum of bees gathering around the flowers
Resting my feet in the cold river as the sun warms my skin
Gatherings – reunions with friends and family who live far away. When there are enough green leaves to sound like water in the wind
Conversating birds, barefoot on mossy sidewalks, sun and smiles, light breeze, fun, busy
Tightening the straps on the kayak trailer. Walking up early or
staying out late. Swimming.
Being in love, weekend adventures, things moving quickly
The smell of freshly cut grass
Cold lemonade- sweet and tart and refreshing.
Warm sun on my skin…
Taffy melting under a pool towel
The smell of pitch on a warm summer breeze
The smell of hay being made
Smelling fresh cut grass, sun shining on the Bay
Warm sun on my skin,
The freedom of an unhurried bike ride with a breeze
Pink toes in the sand as waves roll over my feet, the rush of cold creeping over my feet as my pink toes disappear into the sand.
Sinking into deep connection with the Earth
A long day filled with hope and possibility
Ocean breeze on a hot day walking on the beach,
the sun radiating my entire body
Complements for this summer – Gathering, comfort, affection,
Just lovely.