Personal reflections & practices to welcome summer
As a kid, the Summer Solstice always felt like pure magic. It marked the end of the school year — and there’s no feeling quite like that rush of freedom knowing you have two full months to play, rest, and roam. The light stretched into the evening, the air felt golden, and everything seemed possible
Now, as an adult, the thrill of school’s out for summer has softened — but the solstice still feels sacred to me.
Over the years, I’ve honoured this seasonal turning point in different ways: hosting early morning community practices at Bota Bota, or rising before dawn for a personal ritual. One of my most memorable Solstice mornings was in 2010, during my first 108-day practice. My mother and I hiked up Mount Royal in the dark and greeted the rising sun with 108 Surya Namaskar.
From my journal that day:
There is something so sacred about meeting the sun at dawn. The air is crisp, it’s quiet, and there’s a feeling of unbounded possibility. This time seems timeless, because not much is going on, and yet everything feels ready. Watching the first rays of summer pierce the sky and spill over the city was magical. Even more special was sharing the moment with 30 other silent yogis who had also made the journey. No words were exchanged, but there was a deep sense of connection.
Of course, in the spirit of balance, the universe sent a wild card — a loud, drunken man who followed my mom and me up the path, shouting poetic nonsense like “Tell Jesus, I need a cigar!” It was hilarious… and also a good chance to practice patience and concentration.
My practice that morning was slow, tender. I was nursing a shoulder injury, so I moved gently, grateful for each breath. Later that day, I saw an osteopath who worked magic on my clavicle and cranial bones. I left feeling lighter. More open. Ready for summer.
What's Special about the Summer Solstice
The Summer Solstice is a powerful reminder that we are light — and that this light deserves to be nourished and expressed. It’s a time to honour the fire within, to pause and reflect, to gather herbs and intentions, and to welcome joy.
Below are a few simple, meaningful rituals that blend yoga, Ayurveda, and nature-based wisdom. Let them inspire your own solstice practice.
🌅 Morning Rituals: Rise with the Sun
☀️ Sun Salutations at Sunrise
There’s something transformational about practicing yoga first thing in the morning, as the sun rises. A few gentle rounds of Surya Namaskar (ideally 9, 18, 27, 36 or 108), sets the tone for your entire day.
🧴 Cooling Abhyanga
Dry brush and then massage your body with coconut oil infused with rose or sandalwood. This Ayurvedic ritual cools excess heat and grounds your energy. Great for Pitta.
🫖 Herbal Infusion
Sip on rose, mint, or lemon balm tea — or make a sun tea by steeping herbs in water and letting them infuse on your windowsill.
🌊 Midday Rituals: Water & Nature
🌿 Bathe in a Natural Source of Water
Go for a swim or immerse your feet in a pond, lake, river, or ocean. Let the water cleanse and recharge you. If natural waters aren’t accessible, pour cool water over your head and heart with intention to purify and recharge your energy.
🌸 Create a Summer Altar or Mandala
Decorating an altar is one of my favourite rituals. Use herbs like rosemary, lavender, mint, and flowers like calendula or chamomile. Add crystals like citrine (for confidence), clear quartz (for clarity), or rose quartz (for compassion). Write your intention for summer on a small piece of paper and place it under a stone.
🥗 Share a Seasonal Meal & Eat Outdoor
Prepare a simple picnic or summer meal using fresh, local ingredients — think herbs, berries, grilled vegetables, juicy fruits, and bright flavours. Eat outside in your backyard, on a balcony, at the park, or even on a blanket in your living room with the windows open. Invite friends or enjoy the solitude. Let your meal be an offering to the light — a feast of gratitude.
🌇 Evening Ritual: Release and Renew
💃 Dance in the Open Air
As the end comes to a close, turn on music that brings you joy and move your body freely. Dance barefoot in the grass, on the earth, or under the stars. Let your body speak the language of freedom, pleasure, and presence.
To dance is to pray with the body. Let it be your offering to the season.
As the sun begins to dip, take a quiet moment to reflect. Write down something you’re ready to release — an old habit, story, or emotional weight. Light a candle and safely burn or bury the paper. Whisper a word for what you want to welcome in.
📓 Journal Reflection Prompts
-
- What did spring teach me?
- What energy do I want to cultivate this summer?
- Where can I let my inner light shine more fully?
- What do I want to bring to fruition this season?
End the day with a calming herbal tea and, if you can, a moment under the stars.
Final Words
The Solstice reminds us to be present with the light — not only around us, but within us. However you honour it — through movement, water, stillness, or song — may it be a joyful return to self.
Happy Summer Solstice. May it bring you warmth, clarity, and delight.