Coffee Talk #137: A Seasonal Shift

Grab your cup! It’s time to chat.

If we were having coffee together today, I’d tell you that it’s SUMMER! I love this season (I really love all seasons), but summer especially brings joy. I love walking out of the house in a sundress and jacks, having the option to walk to and from places without a jacket, and the seemingly endless rays of sunshine.

To fully celebrate summer, I’d tell you that I hosted a 108 sun salutations class by the water for fellow yogis. Together, we welcomed summer with 108 sets of plank-chaturanga-upward-dog-downward-dog. It was intense and meditative simultaneously. My triceps are still sore! I love being able to host fun workshops like this, and grateful to live in a place where we can practice by the water.

If we were having coffee today, I’d tell you that I CHOPPED my hair. A full 13 inches, gone. I’ve chosen to donate to Wigs for Kids, after much deliberation. I didn’t walk into the salon with a plan to chop my hair, I made the decision when I got there! The stylist mentioned donating it, so he made sure to cut 12 inches at the minimum. We ended up with 13 inches cut.

If we were having coffee today, I’d tell you that we’re prepping for our big trip to Cali! We’re heading to the west coast for a week of exploring and hiking. We’re going for the Majestic Mountain Loop, which recommends 3 parks in 3 days – Yosemite, King’s Canyon, and Sequioa. I’m ready for some BIG trees and majestic views and waterfalls! We’re also planning a little time in San Fran, since husband has never been there. Takes me back to backbends and John Muir after my College Horizons trip to Stanford! I might have to try to recreate this photo. Stay tuned.

If we were having coffee today, I’d talk about seasons. The change of a season, like now as we head into summer, always makes me think of growth. I like to pause at the change of each season and reflect. Summer means we’re halfway through the calendar year. It means more sunshine and more time outdoors. Having always lived in areas that witness four seasons, I’ve learned to organize my life by this schedule.

What am I witnessing or sensing or planning for this season? Spring was a season of scheduling, planning, and lots of yoga. I was able to make it to 3+ classes a week for a long stretch. When summer rolls around, my fitness season changes. I walk more, offer more classes since my schedule allows it (though July is proving me wrong with all of these summer camps), and hike a lot more than in other seasons.

I’m certainly a fan of creating habits, but I love the opportunity to reflect, and a change in season gives me this perfect chance to do so. My seasonal shift includes shorter hair, teaching more classes, summer workshops and camps, a new video feature to Coffee Talk Tuesday, and getting back into a lifting routine. As a fitness professional, I find it imperative to switch up my fitness seasons, to learn and grow and discover new information about myself, and also information to share with clients.

What’s your summer season like? Are you able to stop, reflect, and review your current habits and goals? Now is the time to make a shift!