Before us we have as a huge gift, the months of July and August, in which we can gather the energy of the season. It is like a second chance at our New Year’s Resolutions, however, it is quite different now. The days are longer, it is much easier to be outdoors, and the food choices are much healthier. Let us take a closer look at this:
1. Improve your diet. Instead of muffins, cakes, candies and all of the other complex sugars that we can get a quick sugar high from, we have a whole plethora of fresh fruits to choose from: cherries, plums, peaches, melons, strawberries, etc. Every time you crave the former, grab the latter. After awhile you will prefer the simple sweetness of a fresh fruit to the brownie that will leave your energy flat in no time.
2. Get outdoors. Every Wednesday at 6, people of all ages gather at Lululemon in the Meatpacking District of NYC to go for a group run up the West Side by the Hudson. There are yoga classes galore outdoors in the city and retreats for long weekends as well. Keely Garfield, yoga teacher extraordinaire, is leading a yoga retreat this Friday to Sunday. Don’t like groups? Go for a short run to the nearest park and do your own stretches, tai chi or qigong. There are hours of sunlight after work. Just do it.
3. Have some fun! Golf. Swim. Play tennis. Go for a boat ride. Cook a dinner with the fresh foods of the season and mix it up with your invites. Gather people you would not normally put around the same table.
4. Clear the clutter. Have a problem getting rid of the overflowing closets and drawers? Take 15 focused minutes a day to chip away at it. You will be surprised at how much will be done after a few weeks. Resolving unnecessary clutter reduces stress.
Kick it into a different gear starting today. Your resolutions to be healthier and happier are so much easier to abide by than in January, just after the winter solstice. Think of this time of year as your second chance.
Just as I have done for the past three years, I will be taking July and August off from writing my regular posts. I look forward to writing my next post just after Labor Day. In the meantime, have an awesome summer.
Peace,
Maureen
Patricia donbeck says
Thanks, Maureen. I enjoyed your post about the upcoming July and August and right now I can use a second chance to give myself . Thanks for the the reminder.:) namaste.
Maureen Goss says
Thank you, Patricia…have a great summer!
Susan Baron says
Thank you so much, Maureen, for these beautiful posts.
Each one has been so nurturing and I am deeply grateful!
Warmly,
Susan