Slow Summer Days

In outer nature this intense heat seems to be speeding up natural processes. Flowers that usually bloom in September are already drying up. Goldenrod, which ordinarily blooms in early August, could be spotted in mid-July. The first red maple leaves, which begin to show in late August, could already be seen in late July.

In fact, the entire world is heating up. Whatever one’s position on climate change, the air around us is getting observably hotter. The political scene throughout the world is getting hotter also. National and international events are happening at a pace that is challenging to understand or process. Every day seems to bring a new crisis or catastrophe.

Yet human beings long for calm and peace. Summer’s gift is a most welcome invitation to slow down, to make spaces for peace and calm. The heat tells us to slow down. There is a longing to savor the sunshine and ease of summer — beauty all around, relaxed times with friends and family and the ease of less clothes and gear to manage or snow to shovel. Summer offers innumerable opportunities to relish what surrounds us outside and moments to connect with those we love.

Slowing down also allows us to take in the details of what Mother Nature offers. We can gaze with astonishment at her shapes and forms — the intricate Fibonacci spiral in sunflowers, the exquisite curves in garlic scapes, the hidden star beneath each scabiosa petal. We see the glorious pinks, lavenders, and bright yellows of zinnias, the brilliant red of tomatoes, the bold orange pumpkins. Our eyes feast on summer’s offerings as our souls are nourished.

Yet there is the possibility to slow down even more. Instead of allowing the sense impressions to stop at our eyes, we can let them sink deeper. We can allow them to move into our hearts as we submit in wonder at the transcendent order and beauty around us. Each new flower can be a gift, a miracle, and can move our hearts with wonder. As this wonder wells up, it can move our hearts to overflow with gratitude for the life and world we have been given.

Adults may forget about wonder but young children go through their days in wide-eyed wonder. Since their task is to drink in the world around them, they let it fill every pore. They are happy to run through the garden or down the forest path. Yet if something catches their attention, they stop and give their whole selves over to what they see whether a dandelion, butterfly, or pebble. It is not just one pebble; it is every pebble. Each one a wonder to be treasured and tucked into a pocket.

This quality of being present in young children is a gift to parents and caregivers. They remind us to slow down and be present ourselves with the wonder of the world. Not only do we get to experience their delight at each wonder but we have the opportunity to experience the wonder of whatever it is they are seeing — bug, daisy, or milkweed fluff.

In August as growth, fruiting, and harvesting intensify, there is much for adults and children to drink in. Slowing down to take in this wonder offers us intimate moments with our children. In addition, for busy parents it can offer peace, beauty, and joyful memories for the cold winter days. Filling our hearts with wonder can nourish souls, relieve stress, and even lower blood pressure. Wonder is itself a wonder drug.

May you be filled with the wonders of the last weeks of summer!