My Summer of wellbeing
As with most of us, I am sure we have all hobbled into Summer 2025 feeling a bit haggard and a bit overwhelmed with the state of the world. Whilst face-planting into the duvet is allowed, and sometimes required, I have been trying to have a Summer much more focused on being mindful. Now it hasn’t all been without its challenges, but the first thing about working towards balance and wellbeing is accepting that not every moment will be as planned. Going with the flow is a skill we can all improve on to keep our sanity these days.
Typically my summers have been way over-programmed. Just ask my husband. This twirl around the sun I am trying to adopt the SLOW Summer mindset, whilst still catching up with people we love and care about and doing the things I enjoy.
The summer started off with visiting family in the US (we split our time between the US & Europe) — both my family & friends and also my husband’s tribe as well. It was great quality time with both sets of family, and while never enough time is also nice to carve out some time for ourselves, attending a few football matches (soccer as they call it in those parts), just the two of us. I also had the pleasure of doing a Sound Session just ahead of the Summer Solstice with a group of amazing people (our 4th one so far!).
Once back in Europe, I began to attempt my SLOW Summer plan. The first bit didn’t really equate to relaxation. I took it upon myself to single handedly restore 24 pieces of solid teak garden furniture which was in much need of love and attention. Agonising. But, it was here that I discovered one of my wellbeing lessons of the summer of 2025. TRY TO SEE THE LIGHT IN EVERYTHING. Yes, it was hard work. No, everything did not turn out to be showroom perfection. But the end result, and working with my hands to restore beautiful teak furniture that had seen better days was so rewarding. Added bonus — I built up my arm strength and got a jumpstart on my tan (use of proper sunscreen of course).
With that major project behind me, activating my SLOW summer began. Here’s what I did to attempt to go SLOW:
Detox from the news. Switch off all notifications & alerts if possible. I do check the headlines, but once a day and on my terms. You do hear about it anyway naturally, and doom scrolling takes its toll on our wellbeing. I do get alerts from unbiased news outlets like Reuters if that helps. Mind you we can still support the causes that are dear to us , and to help where we can on the local, regional and global levels. It is just important to balance your time internally vs externally.
Spend time alone in silence every day. My Teacher and Guru preaches this and it really makes a difference. No TV, no music , no phone, just you and your thoughts (or not). Take the time to connect with your breath. Life-changing! There are a number of breathing exercises we can try together. ( And no need to limit it to Summer!).
Spend time in nature. Best form of exercise for the mind and body. Try to notice the details. How many petals are on the flower? What are the sounds you are hearing? Make it a point to catch a sunrise or a sunset at least once a week if that is available to you, more just watch the clouds or listen to the sounds of nature.
Master the Art of Saying No. I am still a work in progress on this one (I am a Libra after all). But, graciously not doing everything and being ok with prioritising yourself is a key step on the road of wellbeing.
Savour the flavours of the season. Try growing your own vegetables or herbs (even in a small pot can work). This year the tomatoes in my garden have been so delicious and there is nothing better than that homegrown taste!
Try one thing new. Read a new book. Try a new recipe. Explore the music of a new musician.
Enjoy a long, leisurely meal with a friend.
Practice Gratitude Daily. No matter what our circumstances may be. we can all find one small thing to be grateful for each day. Find it & acknowledge it.
Go with the Flow. It won’t always go to plan. Make your plan a Go with the Flow/Go easy on yourself plan.
Try to see the light in everything. I think you will notice something new in you.
ENJOY YOUR SLOW SUMMER AND DROP A NOTE IN THE CONTACT SECTION ON HOW IT WENT. (Contact button below).
With healing love,
xLG