Summer Solstice Meditations to Honor the Sun

For those in the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice marks the longest day of the year and the first day of summer. A day to celebrate the energy of the sun and set intentions for the new season ahead. Below we share with you meditation practices to commemorate the first day of summer, pitta season and the growing season ahead.

Honor the sun with a summer solstice seated meditation at sunrise! According to Ayurvedic medicine, the ideal time to wake up for your day is with the natural cycle of the sun. This daily practice helps to support healthy, natural circadian rhythms of the body, so that you may arise feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to take on your day. Practicing meditation in the morning is also recommended because your mind is clear and free from any distractions that can accrue as the day unfolds. This all being said, we encourage you to welcome the longest day of the year with silence, intention and 5-20 minutes of meditation. 

• Awaken before or with the sun.

• Choose an outdoor location to meditate. If you are inside, sit in front of an east-facing window where you can view the sun. 

• Find sukhasana or a comfortable seated position on the ground facing the direction of the rising sun. Have your pelvis elevated by one or two folded blankets underneath your sitting bones. This method helps ensure your spine is straight and you are in proper alignment.

• Close your eyes and take 3 steady, purifying deep breaths.

• Find an even inhale and exhale.

• Continue to breathe evenly, noticing any thoughts that may be coming into your mind. Allow yourself to observe these thoughts without judgment, then simply let go of any thoughts that are taking you away from your breath. As you gently return back to your breath, experience the joy of the present moment on this summer solstice day. 

• As you sit and breathe, connect with your inhale allowing it to rise in your chest just as the sun is rising over the horizon. In your mind’s eye, picture that you are breathing in the nourishing, warm light from the summer sun.

• With each exhale, picture the nourishing, warm light permeating throughout your body. This light brings with it activated energy of new perspectives, potential and possibilities.

• As you feel the sunlight grow brighter, you may open your eyes to greet and witness the rising sun. 

• Sit in meditation as long as you feel comfortable. Continue to breathe in nourishing, warm light into your body and remember that  you may call upon the sun’s energy for strength and stability throughout the day 

• When ready, you may open your eyes and enjoy your beautiful solstice day!

Since Ayurveda recommends being in a daily rhythm with the sun, you may also choose to honor its energy and natural cycle with a summer solstice seated meditation at sunset! Meditating at this time of day can help you wind down and reconnect with your body and mind after all the movement and action of the day is complete. Further, this nighttime ritual prepares your body for rest by calming the nervous system and aligning yourself with it’s circadian rhythms. We invite you to say good evening to the sun after its longest day with silence, intention and 5-20 minutes of meditation.  

• As the sun begins to set, choose an outdoor location to meditate. If you are inside, sit in front of a west-facing window where you can view the sun. 

• Find sukhasana or a comfortable seated position on the ground facing the direction of the setting sun. Have your pelvis elevated by one or two folded blankets underneath your sitting bones. This method helps ensure your spine is straight and you are in proper alignment.

• Close your eyes and take 3 steady, purifying deep breaths.

• Find an even inhale and exhale.

• Continue to breathe evenly and without judgment, observing any thoughts that come to mind. Allow yourself to let go of the thoughts that may drift in and, simultaneously, release anything from your day that does not serve you.

• As you sit and breathe, connect with your exhale and become aware of the falling of your breath just like the setting sun over the horizon. In your mind’s eye, picture that you are exhaling the warm energy from the day and breathing in purifying, cooling light from the evening sun.

• With each inhale, picture the purifying, cool light permeating throughout your body. This light brings with it cleansing energy to help release energetic blockages, let go of any doubts and make space for insight and inspiration to flow in.

• As the sunlight begins to dim and fade, you may open your eyes to witness and say goodnight to the setting solstice sun.

• Sit in meditation as long as you feel comfortable. Continue to breathe purifying, cooling light into your body.

• When ready, you may open your eyes and continue to wind down your day with some of our favorite Ayurvedic rituals for a restful night’s sleep. 

We hope that you enjoy practicing these summer solstice meditations and connecting with the energy of the sun. Wishing you an abundant, playful summer with lots of time spent outdoors with the people you love.

Meditations inspired by Chopra Center 

Sunset Photo by Pixabay from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/silhouette-of-person-raising-its-hand-268134/