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Embracing the Light for Self-Esteem at the Summer Solstice

June 18, 2024 Sean Gunderson

As someone who has struggled with mental health issues, I know how challenging it can be to maintain self-esteem. The summer solstice, the longest day of the year, provides a powerful metaphor for finding our inner light and strength. Just as the sun reaches its peak, illuminating our world, we too can harness this energy of summer to bolster our self-esteem. 

Summer Boosts Our Self-Esteem and Inner Light

The summer solstice marks a time of abundant daylight and warmth, offering a unique opportunity to step outside and soak in the sun's rays. Direct sunlight is important for us, both physically and mentally. When I spend time outdoors during the summer, I feel my spirits lift and my self-esteem rise, as if the sun's light is shining directly into my soul. 

Engaging in outdoor activities during the summer solstice is a vital way to build self-esteem. Simple activities like taking a walk in the park, gardening, or even just sitting in the sunlight can have profound effects on our mental health. For me, nature walks have become a form of meditation, a time to reflect and connect with the world around me. The act of moving my body, breathing in fresh air, and feeling the sun on my skin reminds me of my strength and resilience. 

Building Self-Esteem During the Summer

Celebrating personal achievements during the solstice can also significantly boost self-esteem for the summer. The solstice symbolizes a peak, a high point that we can mirror in our lives by acknowledging our own accomplishments. Whether it's completing a project, reaching a personal goal, or simply making it through another day, recognizing these milestones reinforces our self-worth. I have found that keeping a journal where I note these achievements helps me see the progress I have made, no matter how small it might seem at the time. 

Mindfulness practices are another powerful tool to enhance self-esteem during the summer. The solstice invites us to be present, to embrace the moment fully and the light it brings. Practicing mindfulness, whether through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply being aware of our surroundings, helps us appreciate ourselves and our journeys. When I take a moment to close my eyes and feel the warmth of the sun, I am reminded that I am a part of something larger, and this connection fosters a deeper sense of self-esteem and peace. 

Setting intentions during the summer solstice can also be transformative. The solstice is a time of renewal and growth, perfect for setting personal goals and intentions. I use this time to reflect on what I want to achieve in the coming months and how I can nurture my self-esteem. Writing down these intentions and revisiting them regularly keeps me focused and motivated. 

In conclusion, the summer solstice is more than just a seasonal event; it's a time to embrace the light and strength within us. By receiving direct sunlight, engaging in outdoor activities, celebrating our achievements, practicing mindfulness, and setting intentions, we can significantly boost our self-esteem. As we honor the longest day of the year, let us also honor ourselves and our journeys. 

In today's video, I offer some ideas for harnessing the power of the summer and its abundant light. 

APA Reference
Gunderson, S. (2024, June 18). Embracing the Light for Self-Esteem at the Summer Solstice, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, November 17 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/buildingselfesteem/2024/6/embracing-the-light-for-self-esteem-at-the-summer-solstice



Author: Sean Gunderson

Sean Gunderson (they/them) has a wealth of lived experience with mental health issues and, after publishing their thesis, "Uncomfortable Conversations with a Psychiatric Survivor: Exploring the Paradigm Shift in Mental Health," became an advocate for embracing the ongoing scientific paradigm shift in the field of mental health. Find Sean on Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and their site

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