Summer Solstice, Siddhartha and Sacred Rest

​As we move toward the summer solstice, "midsommar", 
I’m grateful that despite all that is happening in this world,  and the challenges in my own life,
the warmth and vitality and lushness of summer  has returned once again.
 
Early in the sultry mornings, I get to hear a choir of the cicadas singing,
the frogs chirping after the rainfall,
and the sound of the birds calling outside my window.

​I delight in early morning swims at our neighborhood pool.

Visits to the ocean and the opportunity to hear and see it's waves,
to soak in the positive ions and feel the warmth of the sun: this refuels my spirit.


These  gifts of summer bring great comfort amidst the many uncertainties of life.

​One of my clients recently mentioned how good it felt to come alive again, after being cocooned in her state of overwhelm, with months of wanting her afternoon naps to extend longer and longer so she wouldn’t have to face the external demands of life.
 
Her healing returned after an imagery session in which she released old patterns and traumatic memories that were holding her back.  As she reconnected with hope, her creative dreams returned once again and a sense of empowerment enabled her to set the necessary boundaries in relationships that were keeping her stuck.

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Inspiration from Siddhartha...

I am watching the Netflix series on the Buddha….and struck by how it vividly portrays the human saga of facing life's "ten thousand joys and ten thousand sorrows".

This series of 56 episodes begins even before the Buddha's birth. The costumes and set design are colorful and captivating.  I enjoy seeing a movie filmed in India. I savor the spirit of the story and it helps me overlook the film's weaknesses, including it's historical inconsistencies.
There are many depictions of violence which I don't watch.
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I am touched with the film's portrayal of Siddhartha as one with  great tenderness as well as wisdom. As he learns, first hand, about suffering, he compassionately and frequently sheds his tears. His strength is deepened through his vulnerability,  as he continues to persevere on his journey to find the answers to life's questions and determine the way out of suffering.

I remember, as a senior in high school and during my early college years, feeling so overwhelmed with the suffering of the world.  I often wondered how I would ever manage to live in the world with that awareness. Watching young open-hearted Siddhartha as he processes this reality, is truly moving and so familiar.

Now at age 66, when the overwhelm returns and the tears fall, meditation helps me connect with my my inner "crone" who coaxes me back into the light.  I reconnect with the simple joys and synchronicities: A powerful piece of music, time in nature, loving relationships, the delights of creativity, hearing my grandchildren giggle and seeing them revel in their imagination -all these help me to cope with pain and trust in the goodness of this mystery of life .
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So, on this summer solstice, as you face your own "ten thousand joys and ten thousand  sorrows", I wanted to share this recently created evening meditation. May it bring you a comforting sacred rest as you usher in this longest day of the year!

Evening Bedtime Reading

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My news updates for you:

Belleruth Naparstek with Health Journeys has now published a newly revised version of my
audio "Living Well with Lyme Disease". This recording was written in consult with Dr. Karen Vrchota 
and includes targeted, cellular imagery for releasing Lyme and healing the challenging emotions
related to living with Lyme.  Belleruth is one of my guided imagery mentors, she reviewed my book
and continues to be a source of encouragement and inspiration to me. If you or someone you know is effected by Lyme Disease, this is a powerful support for staying focused on healing.

Speaking of my book "A Guide to Writing and Recording Guided Imagery Meditations"--I am delighted
that it is reaching so many and I am grateful for the positive feedback!

My second book Meditative Bedtime Stories is now also on Amazon and I love offering
these stories in the form of a book after their initial release as audios.

Beginning this week, both of my books will also be available in the local author section of New Bern's  bookstore: "The Next Chapter".  I am delighted to be connected with proprieter Mary Jo Buckl and her lovely  gathering place in historic downtown. I will soon have a date for a book signing and will let you know!

Sending you much sunshine and wishes for many moments of relaxation and joy this summer!
Glenda