i'm ready to hardcore summer
intuitively wild weekly
WEEK OF June 1st - June 7th
— REFLECTIONS —
I’ve always worshipped summer. More specifically, I’ve always pedestalised the summertime version of me.
The version of me with naturally blonded hair and sunburnt skin, high off outside adventures, fuelled by hiking mountains and lulled to sleep by thunderstorms.
The version of me always on the go, connecting to summertime active energy, action oriented, productive.
That version of me always felt like my natural essence, where I felt the most at home and at ease, safe.
Hence why, from a very young age, I chased summer whenever I could - for as long as I could… until I burned myself out. And then began my process of reconnecting to all the other versions of me, specifically wintertime me.
I’ve talked in more depth about my path of reconnecting to and embracing seasonal living in other substacks and podcasts, so I won’t go into it too much here - but I was forced to embrace some hardcore internal and external winters in order to find the healing my whole being required.
Embracing winter, and seasonal living in general, has completely transformed how I show up in and experience the world. Yet still embracing winter, and those more uncomfortable seasons and cycles, takes consistent commitment from me.
It takes a decision to romanticise and really lean into what the season has to offer. To scope out the best winter activities, research ways to make my home cozy, schedule activities and plan practices that will nourish and sustain me.
Basically, it takes effort.
Effort that loving summer has never taken.
Which is why, this year, I was fully taken aback when I realised - I’m (just a little bit) afraid of summer. More specifically, I’m a little bit afraid of this summer.
As I’ve unpacked this it seems to be for two main reasons —
I am just coming out of a looonggg winter. My first Upstate NY winter (and an intense one at that), and one in which I really allowed (and forced) myself to hardcore winter. Although now spring is in full bloom and in fact we’re more than halfway to summer, I still feel like I’m just now stepping out of my winter cocoon.
Uncertain on my feet.
Blinded by the sun like I haven’t seen it in years.
I’ve grown so used to hibernating and hiding, channeling winter energy, that being out and about in the world feels a little daunting.
Especially because, although past summertime me was comfortable out and about in the world, she was also… more untethered. a traveler.
- She was a traveler, more transient, independent, mysterious… out and about, yes, and yet alone. And for the last few years, when summer was ending or beginning I was picking up and starting over. Going somewhere new. Unattached and alone.
This year though, I’m here. I’m rooted. And - I’m staying. I’m committed. I’m out and about and also wanting to be known. Wanting to be home - to form community and connections and long lasting foundations.
That is terrifying to me. This summertime Rachel has more to lose. She has more at stake - her heart is on the line.
Because she’s chasing after her dreams - by showing up and staying put.
The second reason?
I’m making space for something big to begin this summer. Something that will most definitely require me to show up and stay up. Be seen. Root down and risk my heart.
But more on that next week…
— INTENTIONS —
Amidst all the risk and uncertainty, what I want more than anything is to reconnect to the purity of summertime Rachel.
Not the summertime me burnt out on productivity and performance - but the summertime me of my childhood.
The one lost in the trees with the fairies, tripping over herself while chasing fireflies, up late for summertime concerts and casual bonfires.
I want to reconnect to that version of me.
What I am craving more than anything right now is to lean into summering - I am so ready to hardcore summer.
Joy, awe, play. Pleasure, sensuality, freedom.
The sensations and experiences only summer can bring. I am ready to dive in head first, heart open.
My intention - To feel fully alive, present, in love - fuelled by the sensations of a soft, steady, strong, summer.
— RITUAL —
Our ritual for this week is to begin to reconnect with our childhood summertime selves.
Grab your journal and start to describe this version of yourself. You can stream of consciousness journal or use these questions to guide you.
who were you in the summertime of your youth?
how did you spend your summers?
how did you feel?
how do you want to feel?
what needs to be healed from summers passed?
what needs to be embraced?
Perhaps you feel the need to write a letter to your past summertime self, or your future summertime self. An apology, a promise, a reclamation, a releasing.
Then, list out all of your favourite activities - the places, foods, activities, smells, people, songs, movies, books… that really brought you such unbridled unfiltered joy. Then start to envision and plan how you can incorporate as many of those things into your life this summer.
Vision board it. Schedule it in. Talk about it. Write a promise to yourself.
Perhaps dedicate a whole ceremony to this process to help you really gain clarity and commit to it.
I know I will be.
Are you ready to hardcore summer with me?
this week at Intuitively Wild we’ve been recovering through honest conversation and unapologetic silence…
Monday’s musings - radical honesty, admitting defeat & choosing summertime sunshine
Wednesday’s podcast - June R&I - radical honesty, admitting defeat & choosing summertime sunshine
WATCH ON YOUTUBE -
this weeks podcast…
“ Each month we have a really beautiful opportunity to reflect and set our intentions and gain clarity on and confidence in where we've been and who we are now and where we're going. That's why reflection is so important. It allows us to process what's happened and really integrate it and embody it, and then be with who we are now and move forward with clarity, with confidence, knowing who we are, knowing we are capable to step towards our desires and move towards that future. .…”
welcome to this months reflection and intention setting ritual - One chapter closes and another begins. Every month we are met with a new opportunity to reflect, set our intentions, gain clarity on and confidence in where we’ve been, who we are now, and where we’re going.Reflect on the month that has passed and setting intentions for the month to come is a powerful ritual that brings presence and awareness into our everyday lives. in this months episode Rachel talks about ...
updates on last months exciting announcement
how to work through moments of disappointment and defeat
working through other peoples projected limited beliefs
finding the right relationships, communities and support systems
how to gain clarity on, own, embody and embrace your true desires and take action towards them
intentions and mantras for June
reflection and intention setting questions for you to create your own
... and so much more ...
listen on apple, spotify, youtube, or anywhere you like to find your podcasts
I’m ready to start this new month, brand new. How about you?
Until next time, stay intuitively wild 🌙
xx,
~ Rachel
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