One of my favorite rituals on the summer solstice is to wake up and watch the sunrise.
The Summer Solstice marks a sacred moment in the wheel of the year—a time to pause, reflect, and embrace the fullness of life.
On the longest day of the year, the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, standing still for a brief moment before beginning its slow descent. In the Northern Hemisphere, this celestial event takes place on Friday, June 20th beginning at 9:42pm CT, known as the official start of summer.
The solstice is a powerful reminder of the light within and around us. It’s a chance to honor what has blossomed in our lives and set intentions for continued growth and joy in the season ahead.
How will you celebrate the longest day of light this year?
Here are 8 soulful, playful, and intentional ways to welcome the light and step into summer:
- Cultivate Your Summer Rituals
Summer is a season of abundance. Take a moment to check in with yourself.
Are my daily habits aligned with the life I want to create?
What can I release that is no longer serving me?
Is there a new habit that I can invite in to support my well-being? If so, what is it?
- Rise with the Sun & Take a Photo
Welcome the sunrise with quiet presence. Watch the light stretch across the sky, and again in the evening, witness the sunset’s magic.
Consider practicing yoga with Sun Salutations to honor the light within and around you.
- Go Green for the Day
Support your local farmers’ market, fill your plate with vibrant seasonal produce, and use your feet or your bike instead of your car. Let nature guide your choices. I recently tried rainbow chard and loved it!
- Power Down to Tune In
Step away from screens and into presence. Give yourself a digital detox and reconnect with your inner rhythms.
- Reconnect with the Wild
Take a hike, paddle on the lake, go berry picking, lay down on the grass and look up at the clouds in the sky or simply walk barefoot in grass. Allow yourself to feel grounded and connected to the earth.
How can you look at your life from a different perspective?
- Read, Write, Reflect
Bring a journal and a good book outside. Let the sun warm your skin while you tune into your inner voice. Reflect on what has blossomed in your life—and what dreams are still forming.
What abundance do you want to celebrate?
- Spread a Little Sunshine
Acts of kindness ripple out. Run an errand for a neighbor, leave flowers on someone’s doorstep, or donate to a cause you love. Let your light brighten someone else’s day.
- Gather by the Fire
Close the day in celebration. Invite friends or family to a bonfire, toast to new beginnings, share stories, and honor the shift into summer together.
My wish for you:
May this Summer Solstice be a sacred pause—a moment to feel the warmth of the sun, the abundance of your blessings, and the promise of what’s yet to come.
