Summer!

A New Season Begins

Spring’s finale was worth applauding.  Yesterday couldn’t have been nicer, absolutely beautiful!  The air quality, temperature and sky – perfection!  I could live with spring forever… But that’s not true!  All seasons have something to offer, and all should be experienced, but winter will always remain my favorite.

Summer has arrived!  June 21st marks the big day, the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere, and simultaneously heralds the beginning of winter in the southern hemisphere.  It’s also the longest day of the year.  The sun reaches its most northern point in the sky at local noon.  After today, the days start getting shorter as the length of daylight begins to decrease.

This time last year, it was cool and the temperature was in the mid 70s.  I ventured out in the early morning to walk the Stony Run Trail and through a few of my favorite neighborhoods – Homeland and Guildford, visiting Loyola University and Sherwood Gardens.  I want to be as consistent as I was last season, meditating in the early morning on one of the three local trails in my community, while under a canopy of trees.

Now the challenge begins.  We must all embrace the predicted hot days, and a hurricane season that some say might be intense.  (The almanac has occasionally been wrong, and I don’t put much faith in local meteorologists.  Their snow predictions last winter were often incorrect.)

Spend as much time as you can in the open air.  Take advantage of those wide-open spaces, while appreciating local parks and trails, and community pools.  Cycle, hike, run or walk, but get outdoors and allow nature to entertain you. Walk the beach or swim in the ocean, but do whatever it takes to stay active, healthy and strong.  Have fun and laugh often.

I can’t end this post without invoking a little wisdom.  I hope many will be responsible, considering the environment when making summertime choices.  Don’t turn the air conditioner on at the first sign of perspiration.  Don’t fear the fan.  Make it a first line of defense.  Keep the window shades down.  To help stay cool, keep yourself hydrated.  Choose water over sugary drinks.  It behooves everyone to use sunscreen, and often.  To all, I wish you a happy, safe and memorable summer.  Enjoy! – paerki

Choose The Splendor Of Green

Get lost amongst the green, meditating in the outdoors.  Sit or stand, walk or run. It doesn’t matter.  Under an open sky, breathe in the air from the trees and grass, listen to nature’s music – water and birds, allowing it to calm, soothe and refresh your spirit – your soul.

There are times when meditation doesn’t come easy, which I know all too well, because of weather conditions, insects, wildlife and foot traffic.  However, that’s the test we must all pass, yielding to find our center.  I’m more successful than not, particularly in the AM, and especially when I meditate regularly.

There are many ways to meditate and various types and methods to choose from –walking, mindfulness, imaginary, etc.  Find what works for you, choosing the right place and time.  It’s an easy process, so don’t get stressed over what should alleviate stress.

Walking meditation is by far my favorite and what really works for me (most of the time).  I use nature as a guide, which helps with my concentration.

Finally, you don’t always have to leave the world behind to meditate.  A fifteen-minute walk of quiet during lunchtime can do wonders.  Contemplate meditating before getting out of bed or before going to sleep.  However, my greatest success is when I choose the splendor of green.  I get so much from it, and it leaves me satisfied throughout the day. – paerki

Additional Photos: Spring/Summer