What is the solstice?
Solstice comes from the Latin “solstitium” from sol (sun) and stitium (to stop), meaning the sun standing still. It literally means “furthest or culminating point; a turning point.” Now that sounds good to me.
A turning point! I think we’re all ready for one of those.
Summer Solstice at Stonehenge
Our summer solstice occurred at 5:43 p.m. on June 20, 2020. If you’re interested in the science behind it, the summer solstice occurs when the Earth’s axial tilt is most inclined toward the sun, at the degree of 23° 26′, its most extreme. Can you imagine being in the Arctic circle where it will mostly stay light from June 19 to June 21?
What does all this mean for us? It means it is summer! It is truly summer! Time to leave our winter habits behind…
“I am summer, come to lure you away from your computer… come dance on my fresh grass, dig your toes into my beaches.” ― Oriana Green
It’s that turning point where we can turn away from the darkness of our winter worries, and look toward the hope of the future. Let the sunlight of hope lift your spirits, clear away the fog, and strengthen your resolve.
“A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.” ― St. Francis of Assisi
The following quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald seems to echo what many of us are seeing, feeling, believing…
“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” ― F. Scott Fitzgerald
So shall we let our lives begin again with the summer!
Bathe in the light of the sun, do some gardening, watch the birds and listen to their songs, add summer decor to your home, walk on the beach, or do whatever lightens your spirits and brings joy to your heart.
“Be like the flower, turn your face to the sun.” ― Kahlil Gibran
Picture courtesy of Pixabay
The Writings of G. K. Bostic 