Hello Women, 

Thank you for gathering here with me today. As always, it is my hope that as we take a little sacred pause together, we can create a feeling of community in this virtual circle of ours. So make yourselves comfortable, maybe put the kettle on for a cup of tea, or get a refreshing glass of something cold on this warm summer’s day, and let’s open the circle for a chat about making the most of the last days of summer. 

As I type, it is the end of August and it is still hot here in Western Canada. But I have spent most of my summer in my homeland of England, where we had extreme heat, followed by cooler days of misty light rain and towards the end of my stay, warm, perfect English summer days. But as the days of August slipped by, the mornings felt cooler and the nights began to get darker by the day. The end of the season was approaching - a subtle shift of energy signalling the last days of summer, and I was curious if I would feel it when I returned to Canada. 

Now I am back in Canada, and September and the beginning of school are just around the corner, I am contemplating how to make the most of the last days of summer. My thoughts are turning towards creating ways to remain in the moment and be mindful of season, without rushing ahead into September and all the preparation the new school year requires. 

Here are my thoughts: 

• Get outside as early as possible, while the mornings are still warm and sunny. I was prompted to think about this as I ate my breakfast this morning, outside on my deck in the sunshine. The birds were singing and as a gentle warm breeze rippled through my prayer flags, it struck me that there is a very short window in Calgary when outdoor breakfasts are weather appropriate! So to make the most of these last days of summer, being outside early is an excellent way to keep those summer vibes.

• If you have a beach nearby, go to it now! Whether it’s beside the ocean, a lake or even a river, spending time beside the water is so healing to the mind, body and spirit. The last of the hot days are calling you to place your feet on the warm sand or rocks and soak in that earth energy. Then, get in the water and cool off. With cooler weather around the corner, you will be so glad you stayed in the summer season and made the most of it!

• Practice yoga outside. You might have been practicing outside all summer, or maybe you haven’t taken your mat outside at all yet. Either way, find a quiet spot in the shade and do some gentle poses with the warm breeze on your skin and the sounds of leaves rustling overhead. As you lie on your mat and watch the clouds moving above you, I promise you will be hooked on outdoor yoga. So use these last warm days to move your body and calm your mind with yoga.

• Plan a last summer outing. No matter where you live, within a short drive you likely have somewhere of natural beauty or interest, that is fun to visit in the summer. Pack a picnic and some cold drinks and enjoy some fun in the sun. Nothing beats a great picnic to celebrate summer.

• Find an outdoor play, movie or music event. The fun and freedom of summer is beautifully reflected in an outdoor event. So if you haven’t been to one this summer, check out what’s on in your area and enjoy some art in the park!

So there you have it. Some thoughts on being in the moment and really appreciating our precious summer time. Stay with the season and enjoy it. Fall will be here soon enough, so wear those shorts and sandals! 

As always, I would love to hear your thoughts or ideas on remaining present with the season and enjoying it, and anything else I’ve discussed in our Sacred Pause circles. Leave a comment below, or contact me on the Connect with Me page of this website. I’d love to hear how your summer has been and how your outdoor yoga practice is going. 

Until next time....