Summertime Mindfulness

The summer of 2023 was late in arrival, but it brought with it a sense of appreciation and gratitude. After patiently waiting, I finally took the plunge and started swimming in our community pool this week, just as the world experienced one of the hottest days on record. It seemed like the perfect timing, as I had managed to avoid the scorching heat waves that had swept through the mountains last weekend. Instead, I found myself in Santa Monica, where the notorious marine layer, a.k.a. “June gloom,” lingered for a good portion of the day, keeping the temperature pleasantly low.

Coming back to the mountains after the heat wave subsided, I was greeted by the expansive blue sky. It was in these mountains that I now spent most of my time, cherishing the tranquility and natural beauty that surrounded me. Yet I admit I feel a pang of nostalgia for the Westside of Los Angeles, where I lived for over three decades. The routine act of hopping on my bike and riding to the beach was an integral part of my life, and I miss it so much..

I was born in July near the beach, which. seemed to have imprinted a deep love for the season within me. The warmth of the sun, the soothing sound of the waves, and the cool breeze all became a cherished part of who I am. Amidst the longing for my coastal adventures, I found solace in embracing the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness, at its core, is about being fully present in the moment, acknowledging and accepting one’s thoughts and feelings without judgment.

While I yearned for the familiarity of biking to the beach, I continue to cultivate mindfulness in the mountains. Each morning, as the sun rises over the hills, I try to remember how lucky I am to wake up seeing the mountains outside my bedroom windows savoring the crisp mountain air, the gentle whisper of the wind, and the symphony of birdsong.

As the summer of 2023 continued to unfold, I will carry mindfulness with me. Whether I found myself by the ocean or in the mountains, I can make a conscious effort to be present, to immerse myself in the beauty that lay before me, and to cultivate gratitude for the experiences that life offered.