By Susan Ksiezopolski
Nothing says summer like a gentle summer breeze, carrying along with it all the fragrances of summer that float in the air, the roses in bloom, the sizzling BBQs, the freshly cut grass, the freshness of a summer rain. The scents of the outdoors can instill in us a sense of calm, reduce our stress levels and make us feel more relaxed. When we follow our senses and tune into them it also helps us to self-regulate and feel at ease.
Being better able to regulate ourselves is critical to our overall psychological well-being. With warmer weather make sure to venture outdoors more. This will give our senses the opportunity to explore the scent of summer.
Some things you can do to stimulate your senses in summer:
Use your eyes to keep an eye out for the fully emerged leaves, flowers in full bloom, carefree birds flying and especially for the butterflies propelling through the summer air.
Tune in your ears to the gentle sound of clicking grasshoppers, chirping crickets, lawn mower whirling, cicadas signing, croaking pond frogs, and of course the buzzing of bees! And if you want to tune in to sounds of brass band, stay tuned for future lawn performance dates of the Intrada Brass Ensemble. Keep an eye on our website and join us at Joshua Creek to hear and experience the beauty of summer and live music in the heart of nature.
Tickle your tastebuds and enjoy some watermelon, corn, fresh berries, lemonade and peaches. Consider packing these up along with some folding chairs or a blanket and make the most of summer by enjoying a picnic out in nature, feeling the breeze and sun joining you in the fun.
Breathe deeply, take in the scents of the flowers blooming in the gardens, the apple tree blossoms, and fill your lungs with the sweet fragrances of summer.
Our senses allow us to make sense of the world, and explore our environment, come out and visit us at Joshua Creek Heritage Arts Centre and feed your senses with our scents of summer. Check out our Sensory Art Classes for Adults, first Saturdays of the month from 10am – 12pm.
Combines Hatha Yoga, mindfulness meditation and beautiful music to settle into calm, clear mind.
Involves simple, slow, relaxed, gentle movements with mindful breathing to help relieve all forms of stress – physical, mental, emotional
This seven-week series incorporates the Feldenkrais Method® that use gentle movement to increase ease and range of motion, improve flexibility and coordination, and rediscover the capacity for graceful, efficient movement.