Hello, you. And happy glorious, summery June to you.
Everything about the beginning of this month is exactly what I need right now. And I thought I’d write to you a little about this glorious energy that June is bringing to us all - in case you need it too.
The thing is, I so wanted to indulge in the warm, springy, lush vibes of May, but honestly, it was a super difficult month for me - again. So I need all of the energy that June is bringing to help me reconnect with the abundance + beauty of life.
Side story/Background
What is going on with 2023? For 3 years now I have been sitting, waiting, hoping for the new year to unfold in some kind of calm, soft, easy way. But, since the pandemic, it has just been hard again and again. I’m really not trying to complain. I am literally just stating the facts. Sadly, life in my little family has been one difficult thing after another for a while.
Now, it’s not like I haven’t learned a lot and found tons of quiet, beautiful moments and amazing opportunities in the middle of all of the grief and chaos and change. I most definitely have. Life has become this wild dance of everything all at once. Filled with laughter + peace alongside heartbreak and pain. Which may just be how it meant to be. Who knows. I do know, however, that I have been lacking a sense of carefree innocence for 3 years now. And, honestly, I now find myself wondering what might happen next as each new month rolls around, instead of looking forward to seeing how the month unfolds.
I still plan and dream and set intentions, but I hold back just a bit more than I did before 3 years ago. Before losing our baby at 16 weeks. Before disappointment, grief, death, uncertainty, and pain became a part of our everyday life. In other words, each month, I am now mostly guarded, but still somewhat hopeful.
The grief, these years… it all has changed me. I see everything differently now. My perspective has shifted as life has moved on. In many ways, that has led to deep growth and even more appreciation for the tiniest things that bring joy, smiles, peace, and beauty to life. But, I wonder, has it also made me a bit more cynical?
Back to the magic of June
But, here I am. On this early summer day in June, indulging in a day of rest at home, trying to find a bit more balance after 3 weeks of pure chaos both here and with my family in the States. Here, we’re processing a huge unwanted change in our life. In the States, we are dealing also with an unwanted illness that changes everything. But, more than that, I am pausing today to really reflect on the energy and the message of June.
Nature has so much to offer me - and you - right now. And, as I said before, it is exactly what I need.
The strawberry full moon this weekend
The full moon of June is the moon that serves as the threshold into summer. And summer conjures up all of the best vibes I can think of right now. Of course the hard things don’t disappear, but the long, golden nights of June, the abundance of berries and green leaves and sunlight and life make it somehow all a bit better, and easier, or at least more bearable, I think.
Each month’s full moon is the fruition of the moon’s 28 day cycle. 14 days ago there was a new moon. The sky was dark, the moon unseen. With each night since, she’s grown a bit more every day, from the sliver of a crescent to the big, bright full moon of tonight. Shining brightly over June, ushering in the summer season, casting moon rays and illumination on the earth and in our own bodies + souls. After tomorrow, the moon will begin to wane. Slowly darkening until, 14 days from now, the next new moon phase will begin.
The height of the phases of the moon cycle is the time of release. The moon is so full, moonlight is so abundant, that the next natural thing to do is to let go. It’s the same natural cycle as taking in a deep breath. Our lungs and body become so full after a deep inhale, that at the top of the breath we may pause a second, but soon we need to release and breathe out. It is the moment of slow exhale that we let go of the carbon dioxide and toxins that we don’t need, in order to prepare to fill our lungs again with the fresh, clean oxygen of our next breath. And so it goes. In our bodies. And in nature.
The strawberry full moon of June is a long, slow exhale. A release of all that we do not need, of all that has been, and a preparation for the long, warm, bright days of summer. It is the call for us to breathe out what is stagnant and old so that we can breathe in and soak in the abundance of this time of year. And I that is exactly what I need. A long, slow moment of letting go in order to make space for something fresh, new, and life-giving.
What a perfect way to begin a new month. With a big exhale of release.
The month of the midnight sun
Berries are ripening, ready to be plucked. The sun hangs high in the sky and sets later + later each night. Not ever setting in the farthest places north. The warmth of the air touches and soothes our skin back to life. I feel like indulging, expanding, and savoring every little thing.
In June, I feel like slowing down even more. I can still (and will need to) work. I can still deal with the tough moments in life. But, my focus easily shifts back to embracing, enjoying, and indulging in whatever beauty I can find right here, right now in these early summer days.
June is a lesson in living in the moment. Of dropping into the electric energy and slow flow of it all. It is the time to breathe deep, to let our wild souls be free, to walk barefoot, to sit and be and observe the abundance of life that is all around. To find a way to take it easy.
I vow to myself to trust in the magical, wild, golden energy of June. To let this weekend’s full moon and the warm sun every day remind me to breathe + release. To let go. To make space for summer, bright moments, love, and light all month long. To open up to something new.
I know that this is what I need. And I know that the rhythms of nature provide me with just the inspiration I need. So, here’s to breathing out and soaking in all that summer energy - right in the middle of everyday life.
Blessed June to you, my friend. May you feel warmth and release all month long.
xoxo. liz.
My heart is aching for you and the hardships you and Lina continue to go through. The last 3 years have changed me and the way I look at life as well. I admire your ability for still finding beauty and joy every day, and your letters are like lifelines that keep me afloat with my face turned to the sun. Thank you for being such a bright light in the world ☀️✨
Thank you @Kelley Murphy ! ☀️