Shining Summer Solstice, Peaceful Gatherings and Personal Growth

The solar energy and entrance of summers dance beckons forth beads of perspiration and the cherry blossom glow if sun-kissed cheeks. It is time to celebrate the summer solstice and this year the earth has proffered abundantly with her flourishing landscape smiling faces pleased to be enjoying more of life outdoors. Moods seem to be heightened and Peaceburgh united in celebration of earth’s full bloom. As a 30 something woman and psychotherapist the summer solstice has special significance to me as I realize that I am in the solstice of my very own life’s trajectory.

Spring and early summer are behind me, those carefree days hallmarked by revelry of free abandon, newly warmed earth encouraging endless exploration, curiosity and summers long, warm nights fueling choice and impulse to stay a little longer gazing at the starlight canopy glimmering way up there. Yet the more days of life which are offered to any of earths curious travelers, the more thought that may beckon itself towards the distance. As thinking, feeling, planning humans we know that the golden halo of the high summer sun will unfold towards to the chill of October and the stark freeze of January. So we sentient beings do our very best to both remain centered within the ebullient energy of the solstice yet we also concern ourselves with embodying the best expression of all of this heightened opportunity towards the yield of the later season’s crop. The tomato blossoms which I loving tend in June shall nourish me during the less opportune late winter. Much of human suffering is preventable when we simply act in accordance with the earth’s rhythms and offer our selves towards the infinite flow of wisdom which is contained in the grasses and groves around us.

Which portion of your life may you tend more gently, nourish and water more abundantly so that your crop yield will provide more nourishment to your and yours? Are you a staunch singleton or a part of a loving relationship or marriage? Is there an activity or hobby which you have always wanted to take up? How about that extra degree or accreditation which you have wanted to obtain? A part of your spirit urging you to take that trip? Are you uncomfortably shy or angry, what risks are you willing to take to embody the best you? What about that love or a friendship which you have wanted to repair? The solstice is a time of bountiful joy and opportunity, our terrestrial reminder that energy is in full force, to what should we devote ourselves so that we are the most whole and healthful humans we can be?

Pittsburgh has much to do this solstice to celebrate and commune in the worshiping and love of the season! Check out some of these peaceful events!

• At the First United Methodist Church “Re-Source! Creation Spirituality Gathering, June 20-22” Here you can look forward to “Integrating Spiritual Practice with Compassionate Action”, is the theme of this year’s Creation Spirituality Gathering at First United Methodist Church of Pittsburgh. Deepen your spiritual practices with people who re-source their walk in the world through ancient wisdom, the new cosmology, co-creativity, and joy for the inter-connectedness of all beings. Rev. Dr. Matthew Fox’s keynote address will be “Compassion: The Next Level of Consciousness for Human Evolution”. Find out more at our website. www.re-Source!Gathering.com”https://www.facebook.com/events/597288267044768/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming&suggestsessionid=81c6cef650f0c27c601a808714ea119b
• Also not to be missed is The Summer Solstice, Hear The Song of The Heart Celebration! Summer Solstice represents the highest point of light available for inner activation of consciousness, Mike Tamburo and Gallina work in unison to during their vibrational gonging and Kirtan chanting healing ceremonies, if your interest is piqued then follow the link! oin us for a very special Summer Solstice gathering. Create and celebrate community as we light our inner fire with vitality, joy, and renewal. Experience transformation and union through sound, tone, breath, and movement in this Yoga of Sound workshop. Crown of Eternity will lead you through mantras and meditations with a live music soundtrack – creating the perfect environment for you to become absorbed in the sound current. Open a space of inner stillness and allow the song of your heart to arise inwardly from the subtle currents of prana moving throughout your body. Experience the devotional aspects of the Heart Chakra; where there is no conflict; where Heavens and Earth come together in balance. Let your hearts soar through Crown Of Eternity’s live cosmic renditions of sacred chants. Let your minds dissolve in sublime stillness to the sounds of multiple gongs. Meditation on sound is a universal path to self realization accessible to any one and appropriate for any path or spiritual aspiration.oin us for a very special summer gathering. This event historically sells out! Register here: http://www.crownofeternity.com/ai1ec_event/summer-solstice-hear-the-song-of-the-heart-celebration/?instance_id=496
• At the local J and D winery, you can worship with some vino and tunes this Sunday! “Join us for”Wine & Music on the Patio w/ Joy Ike Band”. This lovely Sunday afternoon will include live music from 2pm – 5pm. You can also enjoy local cheese from Emerald Valley Artisans, and of course, delicious wine by the glass and by the bottle will be available for purchase.” Follow the link for more details! https://www.facebook.com/events/1451627521750989/?ref=2&ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming
• On June 28^th head on over to Mookshi Wellness Center for the “Welcome Back Summer Trance-Chant Party/KIRTAN with Vox Lumina” “PARTICIPATE! RADIATE! ELEVATE! Celebrate the return of spring and raise your vibrational state with “trance-chanting”, or what the yogi’s call “Kirtan”. It’s amazing!” Follow the link to get your tickets in advance! https://www.facebook.com/events/1455776654643681/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

Here’s to you; may your solstice be full of radiance, peace, introspection, and connection!

What Is a Self-Care Plan?

A self-care plan is a simple, personal guide for taking care of your mind and body on a regular basis. It is a way to be intentional about your needs instead of leaving them to chance. Think of it as a roadmap for feeling your best.

A good plan fits your own life and schedule. It names the things that help you feel calm, rested, and connected. It also reminds you to do them, even on busy days.

According to the World Health Organization, self-care includes the everyday things people do to stay healthy and cope with stress. We believe a little planning makes those habits easier to keep.

You do not have to build your plan alone. A few sessions of wellness counseling can help you shape a plan that truly fits you. A clear plan turns good intentions into real habits.

What Are the Different Types of Self-Care?

The different types of self-care include physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual care. Each type supports a different part of your well-being. Together, they help you feel balanced.

Physical self-care means caring for your body with rest, movement, and good food. Emotional and mental self-care means making space for your feelings and giving your mind a break. Social self-care is time with people you trust, and spiritual self-care is whatever gives your life meaning.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, caring for your body, staying connected, and finding ways to relax all support good mental health. We find that a mix of these types works best.

For the mental and emotional side, a gentle nervous system reset can be a calming place to start. A little care in each area goes a long way.

What Does Self-Care Do to the Brain?

Self-care does good things for the brain by helping it rest, reset, and handle stress. When you slow down and care for yourself, the busy, stressed parts of the brain get a chance to calm. This helps you think more clearly.

We often feel the effects in small ways. After rest or a quiet moment, it can be easier to focus, stay patient, and feel steady. The brain works better when it is not running on empty.

According to the American Psychological Association, ongoing stress can raise the stress hormone cortisol, and rest and self-care help bring it back down. A calmer brain supports a calmer body.

Slow, steady breathing is one simple way to settle the mind, and learning breathwork can help. Small moments of care add up for your brain.

How Do I Build a Daily Self-Care Routine?

You can build a daily self-care routine by starting small and adding one habit at a time. A routine does not need to be long or fancy. The goal is to make care a normal part of your day.

Start by picking one simple act, like a short walk or a few quiet minutes. Attach it to something you already do, such as your morning coffee. Doing it at the same time each day helps it stick. As one habit feels natural, you can slowly add another.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night, and a steady daily rhythm can help you get it. We see that small, repeated steps build the strongest routines.

Gentle movement is an easy anchor for a daily routine, and yoga classes can help you build one. A steady routine makes self-care feel effortless over time.

What Should a Self-Care Plan Include?

A self-care plan should include your goals, your go-to activities, the people who support you, and a simple schedule. These pieces turn a good idea into something you can actually follow. A clear plan leaves less to chance.

Start with what you want, like more rest or less stress. List a few activities for each part of your life, such as movement for your body and quiet time for your mind. Add the names of people you can lean on, and pick days and times that fit your week.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, having a plan for hard days and people you can turn to can make stress easier to manage. We find that writing it down makes it feel more real.

It also helps to know when to ask for more support, and counseling services can be part of your plan. A plan with these pieces is one you can lean on.

What Are Some Simple Self-Care Ideas?

Some simple self-care ideas include taking a short walk, drinking a glass of water, and stepping outside for fresh air. These small acts take only a few minutes. They are an easy way to care for yourself on a busy day.

Other quick ideas can help too. Try a few slow, deep breaths, send a kind message to a friend, or sit quietly for five minutes. You can stretch, read a page of a book, or simply rest your eyes. The best ideas are the ones you will actually do.

According to the American Psychological Association, simple acts like spending time in nature or connecting with a friend can lift your mood. We see that small steps often matter more than big ones.

Spending a little time outdoors is one of the easiest ideas, and nature therapy takes it a step further. A few small acts each day can brighten how you feel.

In love and light,

Stephanie McCracken MSPC

Reviving Minds Therapy

Offering Individual Counseling/Psychotherapy and Marriage Counseling

1010 Western Avenue Pittsburgh Pa 15233 Suite 100

412-215-1986

http://revivingmindstherapy.com/

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