by Terra Shepherd
As we cross the solstice threshold and move from Spring to Summer, I like to reflect on what I learned and observed from Spring. What did I learn from the earth, the trees, the bees, the stars, the planets, the elements?
Spring brings a flurry of work in the garden — everything is waking up, the soil is warming, tender seedlings are sprouting, the pollinators are returning. Everything feels alive and rushing. It’s invigorating and a little exhausting if I’m being honest. Spring in the garden is work in action: building soil, sowing seeds, creating support systems, tending, nurturing, being fully engaged — and then we arrive at the Summer Solstice feeling a little frazzled.
Here the Sun reminds us that even the brightest, most powerful things know when it’s time to slow down.
Yes, there’s still work to do, but the solstice threshold reminds us that we are beginning the harvesting season. We often think we should be doing more, preparing for the next steps — but the flowers in full bloom remind us that we don’t always need to be reaching for more.
We can receive. We can open up and receive the blessings of the season.
Summer reminds us that even though we are still working, we can also bloom.
Nature tells us we don’t control every aspect, so we have to take the time to enjoy where we are at — to feel the warm rays of the sun, to surrender our need to control everything, to begin the harvest of our bounty.
Solstice Blessings,
Aho
