A Slow Summer Guide

The Beauty of Slow Living and Hygge in the Summer Months

This voiceover is an audio version of my Slow Sunday Letter below. It is unedited, so may have some stutters, imperfections, and background noise. I hope you enjoy listening to it anyway!

Welcome to Generosity of Spirit, a space to share my slow and gentle living philosophy, alongside my love of books and reading. Please do subscribe to join me on this gentle journey of discovery and receive my Slow Sunday Letter straight into your inbox.

Welcome back to another Slow Sunday Letter! I hope you have had a slow and gentle week.

For many people summertime is the best time of the year, and it is easy to see why. Sunshine, light mornings, long days, colourful flowers and warmth. However, I must admit- Summer is my least favourite season. I am much more at home in the colder months, and I adore Spring and Autumn. Summer… I can feel a little lost.

Hygge (pronounced “hue-gah”) is a Danish/Norwegian word defined as a quality of cosiness that gives you a feeling of contentment, calm and happiness. It is based on simple joys like enjoying time with the people you love, the warmth and comfort of a cup of tea in your hands as you see the steam gently rising, the feeling of fresh air hitting your face as you open your door in the morning. Simply put - it is the awareness and appreciation of the tiny, cosy and joyful moments of life.

So this year I wanted to look to the concept of Hygge, alongside my Slow and Gentle Living Philosophy and see how I could shape my very own Slow Summer.

So grab a cuppa, get cosy and let’s explore how to create our own Hygge inspired Slow Summer!

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A Summer Guide To Hygge

Creating a Slow Summer

Good Morning Sunshine

One thing I really do love - is making the most of the lighter mornings in the summer months. Even just a few minutes of quiet, me time before the day starts - is worth getting up that little bit earlier for. I love slipping out of bed, making a cup of tea and opening up the blinds and curtains and seeing what the day outside looks like. As you cradle the warm mug in your hands, each soothing sip invites a moment of quiet reflection, allowing you to reconnect with your inner self. In this calm and gentle morning ritual, you can easily capture the essence of Hygge, creating a quiet space just for you as you welcome the day and all its possibilities.

Gardening

I am no gardener, but there is something about the Summer that always gets me itching to plant something or at the very least buy new plant babies for the house! I started a herb garden this year, and I’m so enjoying learning and it brings me so much joy to go and get some fresh herbs to use in my cooking, or freshen up a drink. There’s something so hygge about growing your own food in summer (all year round, actually) and I would love to grow more throughout the year.

Summer Wardrobe

I really enjoyed switching from my Autumn/Winter to my Spring/Summer wardrobe this year. I have recently started minimising my wardrobe, as I take big steps towards a capsule wardrobe. I can’t explain what a positive impact this has had on me. Opening up my wardrobe to less - less clutter, less choice, less repetition has lifted a weight off me. I really the process of being more thoughtful about what I wanted to include in my Spring/Summer wardrobe, taking my time to create a wardrobe that feels right for me and the season.

Food, Glorious, Food

Good food is a joy in and of itself. I love the gentle transition as the weather changes to lighter meals and seeking out beautiful seasonal produce. Eating seasonally benefits both you and the planet. It ensures you’re consuming food at its peak ripeness and nutritional value, supports local farmers, and reduces the carbon footprint of transporting out-of-season produce.

What’s in Season this July (in the UK)

artichoke, aubergine, basil, beetroot, blackcurrants, blueberries, broad beans, broccoli, carrots, chard, chillies, cherries, chives, coriander, courgettes, dill, elderflower, fennel, garlic, lettuce & salad leaves, mint, new potatoes, onions, oregano, parsley, peas, radishes, rocket, rosemary, runner beans, sage, samphire, shallots, spinach, spring onions, strawberries, thyme, tomatoes, turnips, and watercress.

Al Fresco Dining

Being able to eat outdoors is a lovely benefit of the summer - it can bring loved ones together, help you appreciate nature and encourage creativity. This summer I want to enjoy the simple pleasures of eating outside during the warmer months (even with the ever changeable British weather!). Eating breakfast in the garden, a family BBQ in the afternoon, a picnic in the park, grabbing a snack whilst out and perching on a bench or a warm evening spent in the garden enjoying the last of the sunshine. The beauty of alfresco dining lies in its relaxed nature. Allowing the weather to be your back drop, and creating your own outdoor space to enjoy good food and inject some vibrancy and colour.

Create

This Summer I want to immerse myself in creativity, and prioritise the simple joy of creating and connecting with the beauty and flow of the season. Trying something new can be scary, but can also inspire us. You could try a new sport, or join a class, learn how to do a new type of craft, or bake something using a new recipe. Why not try making a scrapbook this summer? Or start a Nature Journal? Try painting with watercolours? Just carving out some time to work on a personal project just for you could be just the thing you need to bring you joy this summer.

Seek Out Water

We intuitively feel calmer near water. I love being close to water, whether it is the sound of the sea as it hits the shore or the peace of the river that runs through my home city. There is something about the water that automatically calms me down whenever I’m around it. I feel pulled towards water when I need a reset, or if I need some extra comfort. It makes sense then, in the warmer months to really lean into the power and serenity of water. If you are luckily enough to live near the sea - plan a trip. Seek out lakes, rivers, even pools - find the water and allow it calm and restore your spirit.

Spend Time Outside

For me, nature brings so much clarity and inspiration. My appreciation for nature grows day by day, and I love being outside more and more. As the weather gets drier and warmer, the summer is the perfect time to spend more time outside. You could go on a run, take the longer route home from work, or simply sit in your local park or green space. These are all things I have promised myself I will do over the summer.

Balancing Getting Together and Time Alone

During the summertime there seems to be more opportunities for outdoor activities and social gatherings. This can be a careful balance for us introverts, as we also need to protect our peace. This summer I want to enjoy making plans- sharing good food, lovely weather, and time together with family and friends, whilst also carving out time for solo dates and solitary recharging. I do love how there are more community events during the summer - festivals, fayres, garden parties, outdoor theatre and concerts, but I will be mindful to ensure I have plenty of time for myself as well as socialising.

Take Evening Walks

I love walking, and making time for summer evening walks is on my ‘must list’ for a slow summer. It’s the perfect way to end a busy day, clearing the mind and releasing any stress or pressure from the day. Just as the light is starting to fade and the world feels calmer - go and enjoy an evening stroll by yourself or with a loved one (or furry companion!). As the day ends, the hot sun cools down, making it the perfect time to enjoy a stroll. Walking in the evening will also help you sleep, as it sparks serotonin release in the brain. Win, win!

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Summer Vibes…

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A Slow Summer : Journal Prompts

Why does summer feel so magical to you?

What is your favourite summer childhood memory?

List your top 3 fun summer activities you’d like to try this year…

Write about water. How does water make you feel?

What’s your perfect summer picnic menu?

Describe summer in one sentence.

What is your favourite time of day in summer?

What are you grateful for this summer season?

What’s your personal summer style?

What do you love about eating outside in summer?

I hope this Slow Sunday Letter has shown you how you can curate your own slow summer. Embracing the essence of Hygge during the summertime can truly enhance our overall wellbeing and help us make the most of the season.

Creating cosy and comfortable spaces, indulging in simple pleasures, and spending quality time with our loved ones, we can fully immerse ourselves in the Hygge lifestyle and cultivate a sense of lasting happiness.

Hygge is about slowing down, being mindful and feeling happy from the inside out. The wonder of Hygge is in its invitation for us to take the ordinary and find the true magic within.

Do you love Summer? How do you embrace Slow Living and Hygge in the Summertime? Have any of these ideas resonated with you? If you feel able, please do share in the comments.

Thank you for being here,

With Light & Love

Emily xxx

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