Summer Vacation!

Summer Vacation! While the kids are thrilled to be out of school, free of homework, late nights and early mornings they might be missing their friends and the social aspects of school. So how do we make the most of summer vacation? Here are some ideas to consider, and please, add your own comments.

10 Tips for a Magnificent Summer Vacation

Know what you want! What kind of summer vacation do you want to have? Are you looking for peace-filled days that rejuvenate your being? Do you want an adventure filled summer? Or, is this summer about connecting with family and visiting as many relatives as possible? Once you identify your intention start defining: What would that look like, feel like, what activities would you be sure to include, what people are part of that intention. How will you know at the end of summer if you had the summer that you wanted?

• Find out what the other members of your family want and negotiate so that everyone gets to have some of what they want. This is especially useful if you have kids ranging in age and interests. Have a summer planning event and ask each family member who is old enough to have a voice in the summer plans. This is a great family practice and your kids (and spouse) will appreciate the opportunity to be heard. Allow everyone to say what quality they want first i.e. peaceful, restful, adventure, exploring, connection with nature, friends, family, etc.
• SpiritStorm (brainstorm) activities that will fulfill the intention. Everyone can participate in a fun spirit-storming session. Sometimes the best ideas come from the least likely source. When everyone knows they are going to get to do something on their list it is easier to support their siblings in finding creative ways to fulfill their ideal summer vacation.
• Be Flexible! Allow spontaneous opportunities and invitations to be accepted. Once the intention is set the universe will conspire to bring all sorts of choices to you for consideration.
• Be Clear! Sometimes saying no to one thing is a huge yes to something else. If you are considering saying no, pay attention to what and who you are saying yes to and be honest about what you are saying no to.
• Allow down time. Even for the most active and adventurous kid, down time is essential. When we schedule every moment of every day we do not have time to reflect on how we are feeling. In order to be true to ourselves we must know ourselves and in order to know ourselves we must spend time with ourselves.
• Maintain a family summer gratitude practice. Each night or at an agreed upon time each day give thanks for your good. Individually and as a family say out loud and record it in a special summer journal what you are grateful for. Even if your family (or you) resist at first this is a powerful practice and will bring you closer together.
• Smile often. Smiling is one of the greatest things we can do to shift our experience, to express gratitude, love friendship, support… It is just a fabulous gift to Life and that means to us as well as others. Smile, you are loved!
• Be a receiver! Allow your kids, neighbors, friends, and family to give to you too. If you find yourself doing, doing, doing for the others remember your own summer intention and plan something for you. This might require or involve asking for help. Do it! You will be amazed at the support you will receive. If you are not receiving the support from the person you are asking, ask someone else!
• Expect the best. Maintain an attitude of expecting and accepting the best summer ever! Attitude is everything as we like to tell our kids. Remember that summer vacation is nine weeks of all sorts of experiences, all sorts of good. Expect it, accept it and claim it. It is yours to enjoy!

While these are just a few tips for a fabulous summer vacation there are others like being present, declaring your home a worry free, complaint free zone, and taking a vacation by yourself! Joining our summer camp programs is a great way to stay connected to your spiritual community and have some fun social activities.