Well here it is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, and I spent it doing some very healing things for myself. It's actually been difficult for me to spend a lot of time on myself, I'm most comfortable when I'm doing things for other people or getting things done that simply need to be done, checking things off the endless "to do list". But I've found that I've neglected myself in the process lately, and in the long run, I've found that it's healthier and improves your ability to be present for others when you take better care of yourself. And - today I discovered that it's just plain fun!
I started the day by taking a nice long warm shower this morning, put on some comfortable clothes for the warm weather, and styled my hair in a casual way. Although the day was warm, I stepped out into the yard to water the plants, and noticed how clear the view was in the distance and not a cloud in the sky. The plants had grown and become greener since a couple of days ago, and I'm sure it's the same ruby-throated hummingbird that comes to flit around the large old oak tree. I keep thinking I need to put a feeder there for it, that maybe a previous tenant might have been feeding it and isn't there now to do it.
So, instead of staying home and making lunch I decided to brave the world alone and go to a nearby coffee cafe where I had a really good sandwich, and just sat and listened to people interacting. Spending time doing things like this alone can really open up your senses to what's going on around you, and for me today I felt a deeper sense of awareness to the folks around me. I listened as two young girls sitting next to me chatted fluidly in French, and since I had studied French a couple of years ago I challenged myself to try to recognize phrases as they spoke, without appearing to completely invade their privacy! They smiled and seemed to be having a friendly conversation. I love this particular coffee shop for it's tasty food and alternative and artistic atmosphere. People seem engaged and comfortable there, with many regulars of all ages, races, and backgrounds who stay, hang out, chat, eat, knit, meet friends, read, play games, and have coffee. It's nice. I felt glad to be living where I do.
I then walked down the street, with it's beautiful views of the surrounding trees, plants, and mountains nearby, to the Wellness Center, which is run by a small group of enterprising, interesting, and intelligent young women. It's a very innovative place where they offer different types of healing arts, such as reiki, intuitive sessions, massage, aromatherapy, etc.; along with facials and other spa related services. Today they held a Faire with discounted prices where you could receive any of these services for 20 minutes for a charge of 20.00. So I had a wonderful massage that gently loosened up all the tension in my neck, shoulders, and back; and I left feeling happy and centered.
My husband Brandt surprised me as I left the center to meet me after he finished work and suggested going across the street for dinner. We walked to the new French Crepe restaurant, which is a newer addition to the downtown shops and cafes. I moved here after meeting my husband just a couple of years ago, and we have enjoyed the natural setting of this small town which is nestled in the foothills. One can easily be lured for a walk into the local mountains for an impromptu nature walk. We've stepped out our front door to see a family of deer trotting down the street, stopping to nibble on plants. Brandt was surprised one afternoon as a baby black bear ambled past him on the long driveway to get a drink from the fountain. There are a variety of birds and other critters, along with interesting insects to entertain and keep you aware of your surroundings. Dinner was delicious, I had a savory veggie crepe with asparagus, spinach, mushrooms and a pesto sauce which melted in my mouth; and Brandt's was an Indian crepe with chicken and a light curry sauce. I loved that the owner was actually French! We sat and enjoyed talking and spending a relaxing dinner together.
We then decided to return to the Wellness Center where they were wrapping up the Faire with a "Sound Bath". I've never experienced anything like this and it was quite extraordinary. A husband and wife team performed the healing sound music by using a variety of meditation bowls, drums, and percussion type instruments to surround the participants, who lay comfortably on blankets in a small candle lit room, in a bath of sound and vibration. By closing your eyes and totally relaxing, you were surrounded by unusual sounds that often replicated those found in nature, such as the ocean waves, lightning, wind; and drum beats and melodic meditation bowls that rang as if they were vibrating right through your body. After more than an hour of beautiful "sound bathing", each participant described having a different personal experience which seemed to connect each person present with each other in a very pleasant and natural way. We seemed linked somehow by having had this experience together. It was a friendly and fun atmosphere, and people seemed lighter and happier from the day as they left the center. I know I did.
So, for me, the longest day of the year has been the most enjoyable, as I spent it doing things to heal myself. I feel lighter, happier, more positive and connected to nature, and generally grateful for my life with it's many blessings.
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