expand the abundance of lammas season with restorative yoga

It seemed like 2020’s Summer of Covid was the slowest ever—full of long, hot days at home with no one to enjoy them with. It was especially tough for caregivers, as they experienced a never-ending stretch of time, with no special outings or visitors to break up the daily schedule ... and little time for self care.

But this year’s sunny season is rocketing by, with not enough weekends to make up for all the fun we missed last year. It’s been overly rainy in Southern Vermont this July, and references to Labor Day bring a twinge of sadness as we realize that 2021’s summer days are limited.

August 1 marks the ancient festival of Lammas, or Lughnasadh. It falls between the Summer Solstice and Autumn Equinox, and is celebrated as the beginning of the harvest season. This time of “first fruits” is often represented with images of bright yellow corn, and reminds us that happiness and celebration are an important part of our year—along with death and rebirth.

Each cross-quarter celebration brings with it the idea of seasonal cycles. We’re here now, then things will change, and we’ll be back again.

Try this simple restorative shape as a way to suspend the season for a bit, and recline into the expanse of time you’ve created for yourself. It’s almost like an endless summer.