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The right song at the right time

Hello,

This newsletter will reach you on the longest day of the year, with the Summer Solstice falling on June 20th this time around. As this email arrives, I hope to be watching the sun rise on the beach just after 4.30am with the Moon Rays swimming group. I’ll be paddling as I got a new tattoo on my arm a few days ago and I’m not allowed to get it in the sea water until it’s healed. In the evening, I plan to sit around a fire with friends on the beach and who knows, I may dip my toes in the water again, as I long for the time I can be fully immersed in the ocean again.

Wishing you a light-filled day however you are spending the day. Here are 10 facts about the June Solstice shared by a friend in a WhatsApp group in case of interest to you. Also, here is a beautiful photo article from last year shared by another friend: Solstice: Celebrating the return of light – in pictures.

Earlier this week, I returned from a glorious trip visiting my friend Kelley, who does breathwork and plant ceremonies in Ericeira, Portugal. I went away for six days to mark some transitions happening in my life including moving home and finishing a significant year of self development and study. After visiting, I can see why so many people are moving to Portugal and buying land abroad. I was lucky to stay in a peaceful bell tent on Kelley’s land (pictured above). This is what it looked like inside.

Here is me in the compost loo with a view (built solo by the amazing Kelley).

We spent time chatting, laughing swimming, eating and exploring. On one day I swam three times.

We also attended two events. One was Solstice-themed at holistic retreat centre House of The Rising Mojo, which included a ceremony where we set intentions and created a nature Mandela, an ecstatic dance with music from the incredible Pablo Rozas and a set by Joaquin Sabate, who runs the centre. There was also more dancing and a singing circle around a fire. Here is the only photo I took and if you zoom in you can see the silhouettes of people sitting around the blazing fire. The stars and moon were also on top form.

On Sunday, we went into Lisbon and went to a singing circle in the park run by massage therapist Marina. It was there that we learnt parts of the gorgeous song “In Dreams” by Jai-Jagdeesh, which I feel is medicine for my soul. I hope it is for yours too. I love how events like this bring strangers together to connect deeply outside in nature. Thanks for the photos Marina!

Since I came back, I have been listening to the song and recordings of our singing non-stop to help me land from such a special trip. In my searches online, I came across Edie Art who has set the song to some gorgeous artwork on YouTube here.

In the spirit of sharing soul tending songs, I also would like to share Alexi Murdoch - Something Beautiful, We Shall Be Known by MaMuse and You Say by Lauren Daigle (One of my favourite uplifts since you shared it with me before, thank you Judith). If there is a song that speaks to your soul, please share it in the comments below.

Things That Have Brought Me Joy Since I Last Wrote

Watching moody Brighton sunsets on the beach

The moon showing off

Sitting around a fire with friends

Another pet sit in a stunning home with two dogs and two tortoises

Discovering Too Good To Go exists in Portugal

Worth Sharing

World's first fine-dining restaurant staffed by homeless people to open in London | The Big Issue

Ememem Playfully Revitalizes Cracked Pavement With Vibrantly Patterned Tiles | Colossal

Passiontide by Monique Roffey review – a passionate protest novel | The Guardian

The school run by kids | BBC

New York military veteran comes out in obituary: ‘I was gay all my life’ | The Guardian

Indigenous Women Protecting the Great Barrier Reef | Gender Security Project

Donna Lancaster and Frederique Bicker are running a one day retreat to fall in love with life again

How to Become a Boundary Ninja | Deepening Into Life

Booking is live at Stanmer Sauna Garden’s new home

Vote For Animals General Election pledge

Homeless Link’s End Homelessness manifesto

Discount code for Trusted Housesitters

OK I need to go to bed seeing as I am getting up in a few hours.

Are you marking the Summer Solstice? I would love to hear more in the comments below.

BB x

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