Celebrate Summer by Getting Outside

Sunday marks the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the day with the most daylight. With the long days, it's the perfect time to be active outdoors. Here in Evergreen, CO, we're enjoying warm days and cool nights, and we've been spending a lot of time hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and paddling. I officially moved my office to the deck and taught my Zoom yoga classes outside last week. 

You can read more about my interactions with nature from my outdoor office in my latest Substack post, Delighting in Nature. A solo male deer walked by as I write this post, and there's a ton of bird activity! I just identified a Northern House Wren in the tree that houses Crag Chalet (our original birdhouse), so I'm hoping they'll consider it for raising a brood this year. It's been a couple of years since the wrens occupied the house. Last year, we had Mountain Chickadees. It's been a challenge to stay focused on work with all that's happening around me. Let's just say I love where I live. 

Living at 8,000 feet, we find our summers short and precious, so we do our best to make the most of the long days this time of year. We're heading out on a road trip to the Dakotas with the dogs next week.

Spending time in nature is scientifically shown to lower cortisol levels and heart rate, offering a natural remedy for a busy, overstimulated mind. Firefly has several opportunities for those of you who are local to join me in enjoying the great outdoors. 

Tonight is my first Evening Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yin Yoga class. Join me at 5:30 p.m. Mountain Time at Bear Creek Lake Park to unwind on the water. If you've been hesitant to try SUP yoga for fear of falling in the water, this class is for you! Yin Yoga is practiced primarily while sitting or lying down. You don't have to stand on the board at all unless you choose to for the paddle to our practice spot. The long-held stretches of Yin Yoga help increase circulation in the joints and improve flexibility. Enjoy a quiet space to silence the noise and reconnect with yourself, and let the gentle movement of the lake and the setting sun soothe your nervous system. Use discount code firefly5 to receive $5 off. If you can't make it tonight, there are two more Evening SUP Yin Yoga classes on July 14 and August 11, or join me on most Sundays at 8:30 a.m. for my regular SUP Yoga class (there's no class on June 28). Register in advance here.

On Saturday, June 20, join me for the Denver Heart Walk at Sloan's Lake. Whether you walk with us, participate by walking where you are, or make a donation to our team, take a moment to consider your impact. Heart Walk has always been about coming together, honoring survivors, raising lifesaving funds – and having fun along the way. Thank you in advance for your passion and dedication to the mission: To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives! Make a donation or join our team here. 

Finally, I'm offering a half-day yoga and hiking retreat on Saturday afternoon, July 18. We begin by immersing ourselves in Conifer’s natural beauty with a four-mile hike. As we navigate the trail’s elevation and breathe in the fresh mountain air, you’ll feel the immediate shift that only time in nature can provide. After descending the trail, we transition into a sanctuary of stillness. Our Yin Yoga and Meditation workshop is the ultimate "reset button" for your body and mind. While hiking builds strength, Yin Yoga targets the connective tissues (fascia, ligaments, and tendons) that often tighten during hiking, helping you recover faster and move with more ease. The stillness of Yin creates the perfect environment to quiet external noise and get crystal-clear about what you truly want to cultivate in your life. Get the details and register for only $59 here.

I hope to see you at an event soon! Happy Summer!