There’s something magical about the summer solstice. The longest day of the year arrives with a calm, unhurried beauty, stretching the daylight just a little further, warming our skin, and reminding us that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.
For mothers, this day can hold a special kind of meaning. Just as the earth reaches its peak of light, we are invited to pause and reflect on how we’ve grown, stretched, and carried light in our lives, whether navigating pregnancy, postpartum, or deep in the beautiful, messy experience of raising little ones.
The solstice isn’t just a day on the calendar; it’s a moment to feel, to breathe in the fullness of summer and remind ourselves that life moves in seasons. Just as the earth cycles through times of growth and times of rest, so do we.
What Is the Summer Solstice?
The summer solstice usually falls around June 20 or 21 in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s the day when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, offering us the longest stretch of daylight all year. Across cultures and centuries, people have honoured this day as a celebration of life, fertility, and nature’s abundance.
For many of us, it feels like an invitation to slow down and soak it all in. After the forward energy of spring where we’re planting seeds, making plans and shaking off winter—summer feels like a deep breath out. Everything is lush and alive. The trees are full, the flowers are in bloom, and the days feel endless. Endless days can be a beautiful gift, but they can also make us feel like we’re not doing enough. If we were to rest, we wouldn’t be taking advantage of the extra light. We have to remind ourselves that this can be a time to slow down, the extra light does not mean extra pressure.
The Seasons of Motherhood
Motherhood is its own kind of solstice, a balance of light and shadow, growth and stillness. There are days when it feels like you’re glowing with love and purpose, and days when you’re stretched thin and just getting through the hours. Both are part of the journey, and both deserve to be honoured.
The solstice reminds us that it’s okay to sit in the light when it’s here. To notice the simple joys: a belly laugh, a deep breath of fresh air, the way your child’s hair catches the sun. These moments don’t erase the hard ones, but they can sit alongside them, making space for gratitude even in the middle of exhaustion.
And just as the sun begins its slow shift back toward shorter days after the solstice, we’re reminded that everything changes. The tough seasons won’t last forever. The sleepless nights will pass. Growth might be invisible sometimes, but it’s always happening.
Small Ways to Celebrate the Solstice
You don’t need a big ritual or a lot of time to mark the solstice. In fact, the simplest moments can feel the most grounding, especially when your days are already full. Here are a few gentle ways to honour the day.
Watch the Sunrise or Sunset
If you’re already awake early with your baby, or winding down after a busy day, take a few minutes to step outside and really watch the sky. Notice the colours, the warmth of the sun on your face, the hush that settles over everything. Let it remind you that you’re part of this big, beautiful cycle too.
Set a Summer Intention
Pause and ask yourself: What do I want more of this season? It might be patience, playfulness, rest, or more time in nature. Write it down somewhere you’ll see often, a sticky note on your mirror, a note in your phone, and let it guide your summer in quiet ways.
Go Barefoot
There’s something surprisingly powerful about stepping outside and feeling the earth beneath your feet. Whether it’s soft grass, warm sand, or cool dirt, take a few minutes to stand still and really feel it. Let yourself be grounded by the simplicity of it, a small reminder that you’re connected to the world around you.
Pick Wildflowers
If you live near a trail, a field, or even just a patch of overgrown grass, gather a few wildflowers. Bring your kids along and make it a little adventure. There’s something special about bringing nature inside, whether it’s a full bouquet or just a single stem in a jar on the windowsill.
Light a Candle
As the day comes to a close, light a candle and take a quiet moment for yourself. Reflect on how far you’ve come this year. Breathe deeply. Even a few intentional breaths can be a powerful way to mark the day and acknowledge your own strength and resilience.
A Time to Feel Full
At Wildelore, we talk a lot about the seasons of life, the way our bodies, hearts, and minds move through phases of change. The solstice reminds us that we’re always part of something bigger. It’s okay to feel full right now. Full of light, full of gratitude, full of whatever this season of life is offering you, even if it’s messy, imperfect, or hard to name.
So here’s a gentle invitation: step outside, lift your face to the sun, and take a moment to really feel it. You are growing. You are becoming. And just like the earth, you are exactly where you need to be.
Happy Summer Solstice.
P.S. Looking to connect with other moms who love being outside?
Join our Mothers In Nature private Facebook group—a supportive space to share stories, ask questions, and find inspiration for your next breath of fresh air. We’d love to have you there.