In the Light of Summer

"Sky paints joy in endless blue,

As sunlight gently warms each thing we pursue.

Hearts unfold, shadows cease,

In summer's grace, we lean toward peace."

I have noticed that as the warmer months roll in and sunlight lingers, many clients begin to speak of feeling lighter, more hopeful and that inspired this poem. Sunny days seem to carry their own kind of emotional balm. It is a season where warmth touches not only our skin, but our spirit.

There is a physiological basis to this. Sunlight exposure prompts our bodies to produce vitamin D, which plays a crucial role in mood regulation. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to increased risk of depression, and boosting it - especially through natural sunlight - can support the production of serotonin, the feel good neurotransmitter.

Nature, too, helps us mend. Spending time outside, whether walking through a forest, a natural coastal wonder, sitting in a garden or simply feeling the breeze, all associated with lower stress levels, improved attention and greater emotional regulation. Nature has the ability to calm our nervous systems through sensory connection and spaciousness.

Whether it is the gentle hum of busy bees, the scent of warm earth or the sunrays peek through leaves - summer tends to remind us of the present moment.

There is something quietly powerful about flowers in bloom, too. They do not rush - they open in their own time, responding to warmth, light and care. Much like us. We, too, carry unseen roots and stories beneath the surface. Our growth may be slow or sudden, influenced by the warmth of relationships, the nourishment of experience and the weather of our inner lives. 

Every bloom holds its place in the tapestry and to live a life that blossoms we need to honour both the struggles and the beauty. It is allowing joy to grown where grief once rooted, letting light reach places once sealed and trusting that even in cloudy moments, the seed remains intact.

In therapy, clients often speak of moments where nature finds them. A robin visited a garden, soft-footed and bright-chested. It perched with grace, adding its own verse to the day's unfolding hush. These sensory experiences help us feel part of something larger, grounding us in the present and reminding us that life continues, gently.

22/07/2025                                                                                     Afrodite