KL SUMMER SOLSTICE

Today is the Summer Solstice—the longest day of the year.

In ancient times, our survival depended on observing the natural world. The amount of daylight, changing weather, and animal behaviors all held vital information.

But why care now? With modern conveniences, we can live mostly unaware of the light’s rhythms—aside from feeling mildly annoyed when it gets dark too early in winter.

Still, I’ve been honoring the solstices and equinoxes for decades. And here’s what I’ve found in the practice:

Perspective
Life moves fast. Our modern pace creates urgency and a kind of breathlessness. But the Earth still turns. The sun still arcs higher or lower in the sky. These cosmic rhythms haven’t changed in thousands of years.

When I pause on days like today, I’m reminded that the speed of modern life is not the only truth.

Reflection
Solstices and equinoxes give me pause points throughout the year. I used to set New Year’s intentions and lose track of them by spring.

By consciously paying attention to the seasonal shifts, I realign with what matters most to me —again and again throughout the year.

Connection
When I honor these days, I feel connected to those who came before me—ancestors who watched the sky and marked these turning points.

And when I celebrate with others, I strengthen those bonds in the present, and these connections that ripple backward and forward through time.

Does any of this resonate with you? I’d love to hear from you.

In celebration of the longest day,
Kirstin Lindquist