Full of Light
- Anne Lawrence, Ph.D.
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
Updated: 24 hours ago
Rhythm of Life
Solstice Sun Day
This year, the summer solstice dawned on a Sunday. It was truly a day of sun on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Like a gift that kept opening, every moment revealed a new quality of light. I counted each blessing:
the gleaming dew on June roses as I stepped outdoors;
the sparkling waves of Tampa Bay as I crossed the bridge to St. Petersburg;
the flickering hues of stained glass as I entered the cathedral;
the tender glow of votive candles as I kneeled in prayer;
the shining pipes of the church organ as I found my family pew;
the smiling eyes of the congregation as we offered the peace;
the radiant leaves of city oaks as we opened the door to summer;
the brilliant flash of dolphin fins as I returned home along the bay;
the rainbow feathers of wading birds in our neighborhood pond;
the glistening chill of iced tea sipped on a quiet lanai…
Journal Reflection
Light of My Life
What blessings do I notice in my life?
What happens when I relax, rest, and receive these gifts?
How might I practice gratitude for blessings in others’ lives?
How might I welcome with acceptance, compassion, and patience the part of me that struggles to feel gratitude?
How might I give thanks for unseen blessings?
Creative Contemplation
Breathing Light
I invite you to slow down, to find a comfortable place to rest, and to pause.
Once you feel your body grounded in the present moment,
you might sense into the sunlight enfolding you:
What is the color of the light?
What is the temperature of the light?
What is the texture of the light?
What do you feel in the presence of the light?
If you like, you might breathe with the light here now,
inhaling light,
exhaling light.
As you breathe, you might imagine the light flowing
through your nose, your throat,
your chest, and your belly.
Softening your gaze and closing your eyes,
you might rest with the light
that is always with you,
even in darkness.
With each inhale, you might feel light
filling your inner center.
With each exhale, you might feel light
overflowing through you
into the outer world.
Gently opening your eyes,
you might live into the light,
following the flow
with each breath.
Upcoming Dreamwork
Harvest Moon Dreamwork
CREATIVE WORKSHOP
Saturday, September 26, 1:00pm-3:30pm EDT on Zoom
Explore one of your dreams in depth!
Words of Wisdom
“Hello, sun in my face…
dear star that just happens
to be where you are in the universe
to keep us from ever-darkness,
to ease us with warm touching,
to hold us in the great hands of light—
good morning, good morning, good morning.
Watch, now, how I start the day
in happiness, in kindness.”
—Mary Oliver, “Why I Wake Early,” p. 3
Deep Resourcing
Growing Gratitude
This free resource is a creative way to reflect on your day, your month, and your year.
Monthly Mandala
Inner Light
Find an ordinary soup bowl, a piece of blank paper, and colors (e.g., markers, crayons, pastels).
Choose a color that evokes light for you here now, and place it within reach.
Turn your round bowl upside down onto the blank piece of paper.
Center the dome of the bowl on the paper.
Rest one hand on top of the dome, holding the bowl in place.
With your other hand, trace the circumference of the bowl with your chosen color.
Remove the bowl, and reveal your circle of light.
Within the circle, draw your inner light.
Outside the circle, draw what nurtures your inner light and what your inner light nurtures.
When your mandala feels whole, thank this image for coming into your conscious awareness.
Create a home for your mandala.
From time to time, explore the following questions in a journal reflection:
When I gaze into my mandala, what draws my attention? (You might touch this area of your mandala to enhance your connection.)
What do I feel (e.g., sensations, emotions, energy)?
What do I need?
Who/What can support me?
What associations (e.g., memories, dreams, stories) do I have with my mandala?
What do I wonder?
What is my intention now?
Soul Music
The Sound of June
For me, Neko Case, k.d. lang, and Laura Veirs’ song “Greens of June” on their eponymous collaborative album is the sound of summer's arrival.