How to Reset Your Life this Summer Solstice
Do you ever feel on autopilot?
The alarm goes off, you grab your phone, and your brain starts to think of everything you have to do for the day. As you go through the tasks in your mind, you get dressed, brush your teeth, and if you’re lucky, grab breakfast on the way out of the house. The day goes on. It can be overflown with meetings.
Or maybe, there’s an event filled with people. You smile and chat — wondering who you’ll talk to next.
The day comes to an end — and you panic glancing at your “to-do” list.
But you brush it off.
Finally home, you make dinner, try your best to clean up around the house, and collapse on the couch.
You’re drained.
Unfortunately, the hustle culture we live in can make us think that this is how our lives need to be.
But if you're feeling drained, uninspired, or maybe even lonely after the day is done, maybe it’s time for an internal reset.
Why not begin your reset in alignment with the Summer Solstice?
Grab your favorite, refreshing drink, head to a sunny, warm spot, and put on your sunglasses — channel your inner child.
Change starts now.
What Is the Summer Solstice and What Does It Mean?
You’ve probably heard of the phrase before…
Maybe you’ve even gone to a Summer Solstice event — but you didn’t really know what it was all about.
OR, you could also be a Summer Solstice sunbeam!
No matter where you are in your understanding of the Summer Solstice, let’s break it down together.
The Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year, taking place within the third week of June for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere.
It’s amazing to share such an energetic season with our amig@s in…
North America
The northern part of South America
Europe
The northern two-thirds of Africa
And most of Asia!
Because the date fluctuates depending on the year, this year, it takes place on June 20th, 2024.
It’s the longest day of the year because it’s when el sol reaches the highest point in the sky!
The phrase, “Summer Solstice,” comes from Latin roots.
“Sol,” means “sun,” and “stitium” means “still or stopped.” When you place the words together, you get, “sun standing still.”
While there isn’t an exact moment on the discovery of the Summer Solstice, it’s been dated as far back as to the people who lived in ancient times – like ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Latin America.
Isn't it special that we still create rituals around this ancient celestial holiday?!
Wellbeing During the Summer Solstice
Many people enjoy celebrating the Summer Solstice because it's a time to rekindle with nature. As we reset from any negative energy, this halfway point in the year can help us bond to the land, our Earth.
How?
By being more mindful of the outdoors.
We talked about the hustle cultura and the harm it can cause to our thoughts.
When you’re out in nature, you decrease your anxiety levels and stress.
Say goodbye to colder, darker days and hello to better concentration!
Being outside also helps you connect or reconnect with people, nature, and animals.
Maybe you have friends or familia that you think of from time to time, but don’t make time to meet up with them.
Let Summer Solstice be your sign to call up the people you love most.
Set up a picnic at your favorite park
Be part of a bonfire as you watch the sunset
Check out some music performances by bands in your local area
Immerse yourself in local art exhibitions
Really, do anything that brings light into your life.
Take advantage of the extended daylight and don’t let your previous absence stop you from making positive change for yourself.
Still needing some more inspo?
Carrie from Sex and the City says it best.
“Life gives you lots of chances to screw up, which means you have just as many chances to get it right.”
You can still get it right!
Astrological & Symbolic Meanings of the Summer Solstice
If you’re into how spiritual and cosmic energy play a part in the Summer Solstice, this is for you.
Since the sun reaches the highest point in the sky – directly over the Tropic of Cancer – it symbolizes the start of a new season.
Enter Cancer season.
As a potential lover of the zodiac, you may know that Cancer is ruled by the moon.
Cancers are known for their nurturing, protective, and emotional roots.
Whether your zodiac sign is Cancer or another powerful birth symbol, the Summer Solstice is a great time to seek comfort in your home and relationships.
This is a time to reflect, support your wellbeing, and cultivate a sense of unidad.
How will you align your personal energy with the cosmos?
Don’t worry, if you’re feelin’ stuck, we’ll cover some actionable ideas later in our chat.
How Can You Create a Ritual for the Summer Solstice?
There’s no right way to celebrate the Summer Solstice.
After all, you’re a unique human being with your own likes and dislikes.
So while you’ll get some ideas here, know that in the end you should do what brings you joy.
That being said, let’s talk food.
Food Brings People Together
It also promotes health and wellness when you create some delicious, healthy dishes.
Wanna see what you and your amig@s can make this summer?
Try lime and dill chimichurri shrimp!
Uruguay and Argentina are known for using chimichurri as condiments on meats. Adding some dill and lime brings out a bright flavor – perfect for the summer season.
Wanting something more with a tomato base?
Whip up tomato - garlic lentil bowls — mmm, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
This Ethiopian inspired bowl also includes onion, ginger, paprika, greek yogurt, lime juice, and cilantro. Give your taste buds a tang of spice and earthiness.
The next time you have a dinner party in your backyard or balcony, try crafting a dish that makes you and your company feel good emotionally and physically.
Beverages and Their Magic
Ok, we can go on forever about food, but we still have more to cover!
Let’s get into summer beverages.
Having something tasty and cool to go down your throat on a hot, summer day is the best feeling.
And, when you have the choice of crafting a cocktail or a zero-proof drink using seasonal ingredients, the drink can’t go wrong.
You have try watermelon lemonade.
All you need is to muddle or shake 1-2 diced watermelon slices, lemon juice, raw sugar, lime, and mint. Top off with soda water.
Can you picture the freshness as you sip on this yummy drink by the pool?
You’re in for a treat – period.
Another drink to try out this Summer Solstice is a good ol’ summer spritz.
Grab a granadilla passion fruit, lime juice, raw sugar, some sparkling water, and there ya have it!
A sweet and sour drink with a slight tartness.
The amazing facts about some of these ingredients – like the watermelon and passion fruit – are that they originate from different parts of the world!
For example, watermelons were domesticated in North East Africa – specifically from the Kalahari Desert. On the other hand, passion fruit comes from South America. You can find them in southern Brazil and Paraguay, and northern Argentina.
There’s something special about these two sweet and aromatic fruits that are a throughline to our intersectional Black and Brown cultures in the kitchen.
Ways to Honor the Summer Solstice
Mindful eating and drinking is one way to create a ritual for the Summer Solstice, but you can also find another avenue – spirituality.
What’s so great about being spiritual?
It can look different to you and me.
Seventy - four percent of Americans see spirituality as being connected to something greater than themselves.
Seventy percent think of it as being connected to their God.
Sixty - four percent view spirituality as being connected to their inner self.
However you view the word - or don't - you can nurture yourself with the following:
Create an altar – Have it look like the sun. Get creative and make it resemble what the sun means to you.
Collect Earthly pieces – Head outside and find items in nature that bring you joy. Add them to your sun altar.
Greet the light – Make your home welcome the sun by opening your windows and doors. Have a vase? Pick some fresh flowers and dress up your kitchen table.
Meditate somewhere quiet – Remove distractions and be with yourself. You can use an app or Youtube video if you need some guidance. Breathe.
The key here is to let YOU shine.
Where Can You Go to Support Local Businesses in Chicago?
Alright my radiant amig@s, it’s time to support your favorite businesses this season!
You may be reading this from a different state - or country - so you’re encouraged to Google any Summer Solstice events happening around your area.
Since I call Chicago my home, here’s some events you can check out to give you the best Summer Solstice vibes:
Summer Solstice walk at the Urban Growers Collective
Verde Holistic Wellness Studio – Empower yourself through holistic well being.
Summer Solstice Sound Bath Meditation – Celebrate life and the light within you.
Juneteenth Birding – Listen for and identify birds at Steelworkers Park Climbing Wall.
Be sure to check out more events so you don’t miss out on a thing!
How Will You Integrate Food, Beverage, and Meditation Into Your Life for Holistic Healing?
You can continue your Summer Solstice journey by partnering with us to co-create cultural, guided experiences. At Vida Mia, we create positive spaces that celebrate community and tradiciones. Our guided experiences are based on beverages that bridge you back to heritage. We do this by evoking the five senses in our community events. Plus, we love to source materials and talent by partnering with local suppliers, vendors, restaurants, artists, and BIPOC- owned businesses to present each experience. From our first chat to the execution phase, your next event will feel good for the soul.
As Dolores Huerta says, “We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things. That is what we are put on the earth for.”
Together, we can use our lives to make the world a better place to live in — making the rest of the year powered by the meaning behind this Summer Solstice.
Written by Mayra Gómez-Sánchez
Works Cited
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