Why does summer always fly by?

In the past couple of weeks, how many times have you heard folks say some variation of, “I can’t believe summer is almost over!”

I get it. On the farm, this time of year, it’s full on harvest season – tomatoes, squash, raspberries, herbs, nuts, grapes, apples, on and on, etc. etc. My day-to-day consists of what crop do I need to harvest, dehydrate, can, preserve, and freeze. The first day of school is around the corner, then we’re making plans for the fall plant sale, and even starting to think about Thanksgiving?!?

Hold up, what month is it? Where did the lightning bugs go? Am I really wearing a sweater this morning?

Why we do this

We humans run too easily on autopilot. Our daily routines and busy schedules keep our brains constantly running, either recapping recent events or going over tomorrow’s agenda. The constant hustle means we forget to stop and smell the elderflowers.

One of my favorite mindfulness authors, Jon Kabat-Zinn, says

“The only time that any of us have to grow or change or feel or learn anything is in the present moment. But we’re continually missing our present moments, almost willfully, by not paying attention.”

It’s not all our fault. Our hustle culture trains us to chase the next milestone, the next win, the next on the to-do list, rather than rest and enjoy what we have now.

I also tend to tackle that to-do list while eating lunch and answering text messages, and so, don’t get to enjoy even a morsel of that delicious tomato-mayo on sourdough sammich that I was looking forward to.

Benefits of enjoying the now

This slowing down, breathing, tasting, enjoying, even just for a few minutes can not only help you capture joyful (or any) moments in fleeting seasons, but make you happier and healthier, too.

Take it from science. Here’s the facts:

1. Slowing down is restorative, not unproductive
Allowing ourselves periods of rest, reflection, and recuperation restores our energy and allows us to be more productive when we return to work.

2. Savoring the moment brings joy
Research links savoring – the noticing and appreciating of an experience while it’s happening – with greater life satisfaction, positivity, and stress relief.

3. No grand outing required
The key behavior isn’t spending hours lounging at the perfectly-planned picnic. It’s simply paying attention. Noticing everyday nature – cloud shapes, light through the trees, the smell of the evening air – boosts our mood and feelings of connectedness and hope, even in winter.

4. Seasonal rituals can help
Intentionally slowing down through things like special foods, seasonal reflection, and family traditions can increase our awareness and emotional connection.

Overall, these simple actions of slowing down and paying attention to the moment offers us:

• less pressure to constantly be doing or achieving
• greater positivity and life satisfaction
• better stress coping
• more opportunities for restoration
• greater connection with nature
• greater awareness of pleasurable experiences
• a healthier relationship with the passage of time

Savoring the end of summer

As the explosion of summer begins to fade and we move towards the season of rest, I encourage you to practice slowing down by soaking up the end of summer with one of these activities:

• Watch the sunset and tell stories about your favorite parts of the summer so far
• Backyard campout – or if you prefer shorter and simpler, roast marshmallows and stargaze
• Visit your favorite outdoor place – can you walk around barefoot? Connect your body to the land.
• Visit a farmers market. Indulge in the overflow of August farm goodness. Explore the variety of colors and flavors.
• Try a recipe you remember from childhood or that you always wanted to try. Find a new favorite family meal that you revisit each year.
• Walk the dog, not as a chore. Go slowly, notice everything around you with all your senses.

Whatever you do, give yourself the grace of taking this time to rest, reflect, and absorb the season and those around you. Let the inevitable feelings of “I should be doing something” pop like bubbles.

Key takeaways

Keep it simple – we don’t need big and expensive to enjoy ourselves

Let go of perfect – it’s not realisitic and not necessary

Use your senses – feel the dewy grass on your toes, smell the soil after it rains, taste an apple right off the tree, hear the fire crackle, see each shade of the evening sky

Stay present – focus on what’s right in front of you. Yesterday and tomorrow are not where life happens.

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