Greetings, Sunny Buddies,
We are well and truly into summer. So refreshing. I do hope you are thriving in the warmer weather.
Last weekend I joined in a virtual Summer Solstice gathering led by friends Michael and Alison. They are part of our 100years family and are hosting a year-long programme of Seasonal Ceremonies. It was a lovely experience to be with a group celebrating the longest day and the shortest night. It was an expansive and gentle time together. I revisited my seeds of intention from the Winter Dreaming time. I was happy to see that they are healthy and flourishing. Mmmmm. I realized there was no mention of a Ph.D. in any of them. So the Ph.D. feels like a big kick in the pants from life to get on and do something I have dreamt about for over 50 years. LOL!.
Summer Meditation to Rest, Relax, and Rejuvenate.
Each month I have been recording a guided visualisation for you from the Dorothea Breitzer-Kings book Meditations Through the Year. This month, the June meditation is called Summer Solstice, Festival of Light. There is something extraordinary about the light at this time of year, and she delightfully captures the essence of a June summer’s day. I enjoy making these recordings for you as it connects me more deeply to the time of the year. I hope you enjoy it :)
Click here or on the photograph below to listen.
If you know of anyone who would appreciate this meditation please feel free to share it with them. I would love The Sunny Optimist to reach more people.
Intergenerational Magic and Delight
I have a voice coach, or at least I did!
His name is Tim Uffindell. I reached out to him after I came across his recording of the book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy. Over the last few months, Tim has been guiding me to prepare and make the meditation recordings. He has also been my techie guru in how to use Garageband to edit them. Woo Hoo! It has been a wonderful inter-generational experience between a 27 and a 70 year-old. Tim has become more of a creative partner and kindred spirit than a coach.
This month Tim took my voice recording and created the piano music alongside it. He played as he listened to my voice. One take! He just followed his intuitive sensing of what was need to complement the words.
My goodness, what a skill to have. Amazing, beautiful, and so life-affirming!
I am touched by the gift of his time and energy to make my meditations so rounded and complete. If you are looking for a creative adventurer in voice, singing, podcasting, or recording, please feel free to reach out to Tim directly.
As always, I, and Tim too, would love to hear from you.
First days of Summer
First days of new optimism
Sending beautiful songs
Of the season to all
Well wishes Ann
Hope you have a lovely Summer day
Richard x