Summer's Magnificent Splendor

Summer field in Hamois, Belgium. Photo by Luc Viatour. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License 3.0, available at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.

By Hema Menon Balan

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: This lyrical argument might best be served outdoors, with a tall glass of a cool beverage, and perhaps a portion of gratitude for the opportunities that await us in the new season

With spring’s gentle arrival, summer is starting to reveal itself.  During the summer, people go outdoors to relish the splendor of Nature and its environment.

With new vegetation emerging from the earth, summer represents a time for new beginnings.  It is amazing how plants, trees, grass, and other vegetation sense the season and know when to bloom for summer.  Plants, much like people, struggle in the summer heat and depend on sufficient hydration for their survival.

With pride, flowers turn to the sun, plants gaze upwards, and trees stand tall offering prayers to its magnificence.  The world would be quite dull without greenery, including flowers, plants, shrubs, trees, and grass.

My opinion is that these plants are indirectly seeking attention hinting at their splendor and the allure they bring to Nature for people.  Thus, Nature invites us to immerse ourselves in its beauty and marvel at its grandeur.

How frequently do we stop to admire the blossoming flowers, thriving trees, lively grass, and the creatures encountered outside, including birds, squirrels, raccoons, chipmunks, rabbits, deer, and others?  These creatures just as it is by humans share the appeal of Nature and the outdoors.  Perhaps they enter your garden primarily to admire the blooming flowers, ripening fruits, and growing vegetables.

With endless possibilities, summer allows for activities, such as gardening, shrub maintenance, fishing, boating, mountain climbing, hiking, and leisurely basking in the heat.  With so many activities and limited time, summer seems to slip away quickly.

Bears foraging for food in the summer are an example of unexpected creatures that show up seasonally.  These animals appear to approach humans without any fear.  People become scared of the bears.  We are receiving a message from the bears: they belong in Nature and will continue their food-seeking endeavors unhindered by people.

When you look outside, you mostly see birds gathering to build nests during the summer, disappearing after the end of the season, and then returning again to continue the cycle.

During summer, the scene is alive with colorful butterflies by the flowers, melodic birdsong in the sun, and busy bees on the plants.

Some people would complain about the summer because of the heat.  I understand their complaints - the heat can be unbearable like the desert where it is intensely hot and dry.  Still, it is worth noting that life's circumstances like heat present both positive and negative aspects.  All living things from vegetation, such as plants and trees to outdoor creatures and humans depend on the sun for survival.

Everyone can experience abundance of opportunities in the summer and they should be aware of what the sunny season brings to their lives.  Some people worship the sun as a deity offering prayers for crop success much like others pray for rain to aid their harvest.  Therefore, it is clear that the sun and its heat rays along with the blessings that they provide deserve our respect.

Summer sees people opting for lighter attire, a departure from the layered outfits of other seasons, as heavy clothing becomes unbearable in the heat.  Therefore, clothing can be categorized by season and weather.

To stay cool, people will drink refreshing beverages, including lemonade. People wear sunglasses and hats to shield themselves from the sun’s rays.  Summer is a favorite time for people to head to the beach and they often wear sandals or walk barefoot on the sandy shores.

Summer is not just enjoyment; the extreme heat can be disastrous leading to forest fires and calamities. Nevertheless, seeing life through this lens comes with its benefits and drawbacks since not everything proceeds flawlessly and some difficult challenges are to be expected in life.

It is said that sunlight helps provide the body with necessary vitamin D.  One could argue that it is true - the sun holds considerable importance for everyone, regardless of their beliefs about it.

Has anyone heard that one does not require the sun?  The sun has the power to elevate one's mind and spirit, particularly by bringing encouraging thoughts through its own cheerful symbolism in our lives.  I feel that spending time outdoors can truly enhance one's mind and spirit.

I wonder what it would be like without the sun and its heat.  We must show reverence for summer’s magnificent beauty.  During the summer, the key advice is to keep your cool.

The sun offers wonderful enjoyment, but it is both friend and foe capable of scorching you with its intense heat.  However, whatever one's view, the sun is truly majestic with its heat rays.

Summer, to me, is about vibrant, radiant colors reminiscent of sunbeams. I connect summer with pleasant impressions, lively energy, and the enthusiastic attitude of the season.

I urge people to spend time outside, particularly to witness the breathtaking beauty of Nature.  Having engaged with Nature, I can confidently say that people ought to spend time outdoors.   A whole world is out there inviting you to become a part of it.  Being outside and experiencing the fresh air along with the scents of flowers, fruit trees, shrubs, trees, and other plants can profoundly impact your overall well-being.

If I can get just one person to see the value of spending time outdoors and appreciating Nature, then I have communicated my message: enjoy the beauty and gifts that Nature provides to the world.

Hema Menon Balan is a writer and visual artist who also takes classes at CT State Community College.