06.26.07
Posted in Nature, Seasons at 2:44 pm by Ric
Summer is officially here.
As of June 21,1:06 PM CDT, the Summer Solstice occurred. This is the point in time when the sun reaches it’s greatest distance from the equator. It’s also the longest day and the shortest night. From this point on the days start getting shorted again.
The Summer Solstice marks the official start of Summer. For many of us in Nebraska it’s felt like Summer for over two weeks. We had a relatively long Spring. After a cold spell in April we enjoyed moderate temperatures and the ground was moist almost all the time. After a very windy day early in June the ground dried up and the humidity increased greatly.
Although the ground is dryer in summer and lawn grass struggles to stay green elsewhere green is quite abundant. A drive through the country will reveal crops well along in their growth cycle. Trees are in full leaf now and have deeps roots that can find water even during dry periods. Prairie grasses likewise are hardy, making the most of dry conditions.
In nature Summer is a time of growth and abundance. People likewise increase their activity level.
Get out and enjoy Summer!
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06.02.07
Posted in Wellness at 12:08 pm by Ric
Breathing is something most of us take for granted. It’s our first act upon entering this world and we do it without having to think about it there after. We have to feed ourselves and find water but we seldom have to go looking for air (unless, perhaps, we happen to be under water). We can go for weeks without food and days without water but we can’t survive more than a few short minutes without air. Breath provides us our source of oxygen, which is required by our cells and is used to produce energy for the
body to use.
Many ancient practices from the East place special focus on breathing such as Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and Yoga. The west has started to put more emphasis on breathing. Relaxation, meditation, and grounding practices often call on us to focus on our breath or alter it. Natural childbirth utilizes regulated breathing to manage pain and anxiety. My sister the music teacher has been telling people for years about the importance of breathing deeper and using all of our lungs.
Read the full article —>
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06.01.07
Posted in Nature, Seasons at 1:55 pm by Ric
Used to be that I considered June 1st to be the start of summer. Maybe this stems from my school days when, as far as I was concerned, summer started when school ended. This year summer officially starts June 21st at 1:06pm.
Often times June 1st feels like summer, weather wise. This year not so. It still feels like spring. Humidity has been minimal. Things look so much greener in spring than they ever can in summer. My Dogwood bush is in full bloom and the aroma is heavenly.
Who knows what things will be like in a few days but this weather has been gorgeous.
Get out and enjoy it!
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