It’s Summer’s end, and it’s very hard for me to let go of my summer “attitude.” This season that’s ending has always allowed me — afforded me — the invitation to have fun, to enjoy rather than endure, to choose joy. Perhaps it’s all deeply embedded in our Kindergarden selves, that Summer is for rest and for fun, and the rest of the year is nose to the grindstone, whatever the nose or grindstone may be.
Savoring positive emotions is the opposite of anhedonia, the inability to allow oneself to deeply experience fun, joy, surprise, spontaneity. Why is it we deny ourselves joy? Why is it we think fun should be rationed? How much of our inner, true child is denied when we squander infinite opportunities to revel in the beauty and pleasure and abundance of all that humanity and creation and our universe has to offer? Aren’t we worthy?
We are worthy. That’s why all this beauty, all this creativity, all this abundance exists. Life is a banquet, although many have little access to the table. Which is why we’re called to share.
And the deepest joy is in the sharing.
May we all carry the abundance of Summer into the rest of our Seasons. May the sun shine on all, may joy infuse our lives, may we give ourselves permission … to enjoy.