School’s out for Summer (but what are the lessons of the season?)

As July draws to a close, many of us may be thinking fondly on the sunny weather we enjoyed last month, as rain featured across the country again last weekend. That being said, it is difficult to forget that there are many people across the globe enduring very challenging heat waves at the moment, reminding us of the importance of balance, and the difficulties that can arise when we are navigating extremes.

Despite the changeable weather and intermittent downpours, July is still sprinkled with signs of summer. Final exams have finally drawn to a close. School and college classes have largely been replaced with sports camps, summer clubs, and fleadh ceols. School is finally out for summer!

Despite this, over the weekend I spotted a number of posters for ‘back to school’ uniforms outside various shopping centres and supermarkets. It made me think about how difficult it can be to stay in the moment, even when the long awaited summer holidays finally arrive. Even though school is out for summer, are there still lessons we can learn from the season to help us to enjoy the summer?

Inspired by nature
Some of you might remember an article I wrote earlier this year about a visit I enjoyed to the National Botanic Gardens (and again I would recommend this to anyone looking for ideas for a summer day trip!) You might remember that while I was there, an engraving on a stone wall caught my eye, as it shared a lovely sentiment about simple words of wisdom to support our wellbeing.

There was a second engraving on an accompanying stone wall that day, and as I was looking at the posters for ‘back to school’ uniforms in July, and thinking to myself “gosh the summer will fly!”, I found myself looking back through my photos to find it. I knew it would help to remind me of nature, and that in nature I might find the lessons I needed to slow down, stay in the moment, and enjoy the season.

The engraving said:

Kind hearts are the garden
Kind thoughts are the roots
Kind words are the blossoms
Kind deeds are the fruits.

From roots to garden
Although there are many lessons that can be drawn from this gentle verse, what struck me most was the theme of the slow and steady passage of time. From roots winding their way underground, to the arrival of a garden overground, this is the cycle of nature that is continuously taking place all around us.

We often hear the phrase ‘let nature take its course,’ a phrase that is somewhat easier to imagine when we envision roots slowly winding their way towards their destination. It is a cycle that can only be effective with a steady pace that allows the roots to grow. If they are rushed, interrupted, or hurried, they might not achieve the desired result.

Similarly, if we rush the summer break, already thinking ahead to the next season, the likelihood is we won’t feel rested and ready for a new season. Taking a leaf out of nature’s book, slowing down to experience the milestones summer has to offer - be they fleadhs, festivals, or fishing - can help us to reach the next season refreshed and ready to go again.

From blossoms to fruits
Summer can also be a time where we can stretch our legs beyond the normal routine, and try new things. Camps, Clubs, and Ceols can be a seasonal opportunity to explore our skills outside of the class room, dipping our toes into music, sports, or the creative arts.

It is important to remember that these life lessons, often learned in summer settings, can be just as valuable as those we learn during the school term. Like the roots underground, they all weave into the tapestry of life, supported by the outlets and opportunities that the summer season can offer us.

In nature, blossoms can turn to fruit when the conditions of the season are right. Similarly, in summertime we can find opportunities we might not find otherwise to explore our creative skills. So, why not stretch your legs this summer and try something new? Maybe there is a creative class, club, or camp that can form part of your summer wellbeing routine.

A final thought...
As we reach the end of July, it is by no means the end of the summer season. With nature as our guide, taking time to slow down and enjoy the season can help us to get the rest and recovery we need. Nature can also remind us that with seasonal cycles come opportunities, to stretch our roots and blossom into pastures new.

Emma Coonan is an Accredited Psychotherapist with IAHIP and ICP, Lectures in Psychotherapy, and is a qualified Adult Education Trainer. After leaving Coláiste Phobal Roscrea, Emma studied English and Media in Maynooth University, before combining her Psychotherapy training with experience in the corporate world. Emma focuses on applying Psychotherapy practices for everyday living, through developing resilience, stress response, and mindfulness practice.