This week’s happenings:
Summer officially arrives Thursday, June 20 at 4:50 p.m. with the Summer Solstice. This event has been celebrated as the high point of summer, or midsummer, since Neolithic era. This astronomical phenomenon occurs when the Earth’s axis is tilted closest to the sun, and the sun is farthest from the equator. In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice is the longest day of the year. Culturally speaking, this event is celebrated in many different ways across the world as a means to show reverence and respect for the significance of this annual event. According to some cultures this event represents a time of transition and can remind people there is hope in the world. It can also be a time to honor the importance of cycles, and to remind us of the many changes and opportunities to grow in our lives we have. Most importantly, to remember, each of us are our best personal guide: The wisdom is within!

Speaking of wisdom, this month’s Deepening into Wisdom circle is Thursday, June 20 from 6:30-8. What a perfect time to gather and share what cycles, or changes are occurring in our lives. By sharing our experiences with others, we deepen in our personal wisdom by hearing another person’s perspective. There is no doubt, we are more alike than we are different, it’s simply a manner of witnessing how others move through their cycles of life. Consider the power of gathering at such a time as the summer solstice . . .  the energy will be “electrifying!” Bring a friend, an open heart, a cover for your lap and a willingness to meet other like-minded individuals. Read more about this circle on our website. www.headtohearttalks.
 
Follow up: The “Using the Mandala as a Compass” Saturday was delightful. A very small, intimate retreat that reminded those in attendance of the beauty available when there is a willingness to “go with the flow,” and allow “the teachings to guide” the retreat. If your heart calls to participate in the first level retreat, send a note to Vicky, [email protected] There is room to schedule another one in mid to late October, before the busyness of the holidays begin.  Until then, have a perfectly fun-filled, playful, adventurous and heart-felt Summer!

    Another page has turned as we enter into the month of June.  Holy smokes we are nearly midway through another calendar year. Speaking of smoke, no doubt your grill has been fired up for the busy activities summer offers. The last blog reminded us of the proverbial "Lemonade stand," that offers thirsty seekers a way to quench their thirst after a busy, very warm day.  As long as I can remember young children, with the help of an adult, construct these stands in the hopes of making a few coins. How many of you remember the sweet expression on the young one's faces as they offer a cup and gleefully hold out their hands to receive the coins? What a beautiful and sweet exchange! 
     From the perspective of the indigenous teachings, moving from Winter, to Spring is the grand awakening of Life that heralds in the beginning of a new cycle around the Medicine Wheel of Life. The celestial event of the summer solstice offers a natural flow on our earth walk that brings forth the next step on our Sacred Path, that of Summer. Thursday, June 20 at 4:50 p.m. nature's rhythm will move us into the playful, adventurous season of summer that offers our hearts the opportunity to grow as we gather with those dear and near to us. Many family reunions, community events, and vacations fill the summer season with opportunities to participate in something new and exciting. And, many times those activities and events are repeat ones that warms the heart. Whatever you choose for this summer, enjoy it with the enthusiasm of the young ones that tend the Lemonade stands . . . with excitement and wonder!  

Saturday, June 15, from 1-4 p.m. is the "Using the Mandala as a Compass to find your True North," retreat. If you are curious about "Walking a Sacred Path" around the Medicine Wheel of Life, we are confident you will enjoy learning about the seven sacred directions. Those that walked before us lived life simply and in cooperation with Earth Mother. Join us and learn ways to simplify your life, discover what your heart may wish to share and, most importantly, how to balance the new growth in front of you and allow it to guide you to the place of peace, prosperity, abundant love in all areas of your life: physical, emotional/social, intellectual.  One step, one season at a time, the walk can be enriching and take you places you could only imagine.  RSVP by Thursday, June 13 to: Vicky at: [email protected], or through our website. We are confident you will be uplifted and leave with a plan of action for living your life in balance!

                       Here's to the perfectly fun-filled, heart-felt lazy days of Summer! 
                                       
                                     "It's about letting the "voice" of your heart speak."
                                                            from story: Turned the Page,
                                                  Head to Heart Talks: Walking a Sacred Path