Summer 2023 List

the List
SUMMER 2023

10 Ways I'm Nourishing My Spirit This Summer
Hey friends, just checking in with this summer's List. For me, it has been a busy season of both adventure and personal soul searching, all while navigating the choppy waters we must inevitably face.

We put hard work into our lives, duties, and relationships-- and we've survived plenty of storms along the way. Remember though, that it's important to then pause and nourish your storm-ravaged spirit before continuing on.

Hopefully you've had a chance to take a break during this oasis of summer. Read on for ideas for soul nourishment, most of which you can practice, to some extent, year round. They've had profound effects on me this summer and I hope you find them useful as well.

1. Finding myself in the summer breeze.

Do you find yourself pulled a hundred different directions based on who you are "supposed" to be? That can be exhausting! Your inner authentic you is begging to be heard as well. Even if you're not comfortable wearing this "you" on the outside (yet), at least take time to hear what your own self has to say.

Perhaps you've been mulling over something puzzling or troubling, or just looking for new inspiration. You might catch a whisper of your inner voice while daydreaming in a summer breeze, doing routine chores, having a shower, or exercising. It's ok to tune the world out for a bit and hear yourself out! Your authentic self might have something very important to tell you that you've been too busy to hear.

When you're ready, explore these feelings on a deeper level through soul-cleansing processes like prayer, meditation, therapy, or journaling. Sometimes our best thoughts, visions, and solutions come to us when we hush and let our souls and dreams speak. The results can be surprisingly beneficial! (Make sure to have a notebook or app handy to capture those brilliant thoughts!)

2. Eating from the garden.

Appreciate fresh-grown food! Organic fresh produce soaks up the Summer sun and delivers its tasty health benefits right to your kitchen! If you are an avid gardener yourself, watching the fruits of your labor take form is a real-time visual reminder of the miraculous patterns of growth, while bringing with it a deep peaceful sense of fulfilment and accomplishment.

If you can't garden at home, try visiting a local farm or farmer's market. The quality, abundance, and atmosphere can be quite satisfying, meanwhile you can feel good about supporting your local farmers!

3. Sitting with a sunset.

Yes, of course the sun sets every day, but one of these days, truly... experience it. Even if you're alone, pause in a safe spot and take in the moment. It doesn't even have to be an exotic or staged location. Share it then and there with the sky and the trees, the buildings and the streets, or the vista and the breeze. Appreciate its warmth, revel in its beauty, then let it go.
Have a pleasant evening.

4. Blowing bubbles.

Blow bubbles. For real. (No matter how old you are!) Imagine that their one mission is to gently carry your troubles away. Breathe out the negative feelings you've been clenching inside, then spend a few minutes watching them dance off to the sky...
Ahh-- isn't that refreshing?

5. Making my own holiday!

Summer holidays don't always need to be epic, budget-busting adventures (although those are fun too!).

Take a simple joy and build it into your own yearly tradition. Here are some fun ideas to plan for next time:

- Ice Cream Social Night -meet up with friends on a warm summer's evening

- Take Your Arts Outside Day- peaceful alone or fun to invite other artists

- City Cruise Day to explore new summer spots- make a day of appreciating the local offerings

- Lawn Game Olympics- quality time with family and neighbors

- Rainy Day Blockbuster Bonanza- because, alas, it does rain in summer too--don't let it get you down!

6. Getting to the water!

Get thee to the water --marvel at an aquarium, swim in the ocean, paddleboat on a lake, enjoy a warm shower, splash in the pool, run through the sprinkler, get soaked at a car wash, dance in the rain, ride the high seas... However you do it, just get to the water and find your joy.

7. Hydrating!

Many of us don't consume as much water as our bodies need (guilty!). Get your body back in balance so your mind and spirit can follow.

8. Treating myself!

It can be as simple as an ice cream sundae, or as momentous as diving into a new opportunity. Whatever floats your boat! Make it yours, make it special, and don't forget to appreciate your ability and the opportunity to do this for yourself!

9. Showing myself a little gratitude.

Reflect on any recent stormy struggles. It may be common to look back and re-analyze your critiques and faults, but don't forget to also celebrate your triumphs! Revisit and appreciate the wise choices you made, as well as the strength, will, courage, and sacrifices it took to get to where you are. Even if you're super tough on yourself the rest of the year, take a little time to thank yourself for all you do and have done.

10. Making my action plan.

Autumn is soon to arrive, and with it, a cool gust of new energy. What will you do with that new energy?
Consider these important questions:

- How will you use this time to move closer to your goals, dreams, and wishes?
- What do you need to get started on this new journey?
Enjoy summer now, but at least begin sketching out your new action plan.

Your future self will thank you!

I hope you've enjoyed this season's List and are motivated to take some positive steps in your life!
I invite you to share your thoughts with me on social @efgracearts.
In the meantime, grab a cup of coffee, take a nibble on these ideas, and start planning for them to gradually manifest throughout your year! Good luck!
~efg

EF GRACE
ARTS. INSPIRATION. LIFESTYLE. DESIGN.

efgracearts@gmail.com | efgrace.com | @efgracearts
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c. ef grace 2023.