Today, my middle child Izee turns 21—an occasion that’s meant to be filled with joy and celebration. And yet, if you were able to see inside my mind, you’d find a different soundtrack playing. It wouldn’t be the sound of happy laughter, corks being popped, and toasts being made. No, it wouldn’t. Instead, you’d hear a poignant melody that speaks to the bittersweet nature of time passing. (link to soundtrack below).
As I watch Izee blow out his candles, I’m flooded with memories. Images of him as a babe in arms burrowing back into my skin, Izee climbing anything that could be climbed as soon as he could move, Izee’s hero worship of the gallant and dashing Tristan in Stardust – reminding me of how swiftly the years have flown by. It’s a feeling I experience every year as summer approaches, reaching its peak at the Solstice—a time when the days stretch long and the promise of warmer days fills the air.
Amidst the festivities, there’s an undercurrent of melancholy—a recognition that with each passing year, I am journeying further along life’s path. It’s a realisation that mirrors the summer solstice, marking both the zenith of my life and the start of its decline. Yet, the laughter, the cheers and clapping as Izee opens his gifts, and the lively music playing in the background create a soundscape of joy and celebration. The crackling of sparklers, the chimes of party bells, and the chorus of “Happy Birthday” sung by friends and family add to the festive atmosphere. In this moment of introspection, I try hard to remind myself of the beauty inherent in life’s seasons. Just as the summer solstice ushers in the warmth and abundance of summer, my son’s birthday signifies new beginnings and boundless possibilities. It serves as a reminder that life is a tapestry interwoven with threads of joy and sorrow, growth and change.
So, as I navigate this juncture, join me in trying to embrace all life’s seasons with open hearts and open minds. Let us cherish each moment, recognising the preciousness of the present even as we acknowledge the passage of time.
Even as I penned the last line, I couldn’t shake the vivid image of myself, wrapped in a dry robe, standing by the riverbank at dusk. The water temperature hovers at a chilly four degrees, yet there’s a sense of serenity in the air—a reminder that even in the depths of winter, there is beauty to be found. And so, as the sun sets on another day and Izee blows out his candles, I am filled with gratitude for the beauty of this journey we call life. May we all find solace in the rhythm of the seasons and the knowledge that, no matter how fleeting, our time on this earth is a gift to be cherished.
What are the sounds and moments that fill your heart with joy? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below—let’s celebrate the beauty of life’s journey together.
Yoga Pathways 
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