Summer is a great time for knowing your own strength.

Last night, I experienced the sound of a thunderstorm rolling in and passing through. The deep bellows reminded me of the greatness of the earth. The way things can be wide, expansive, open in the summer.

The way things change. They heat up, hover. Carry on. There is new movement, new air, new circulation.

Summer is a time when we can experience the peace of solitude.

Being alone -- it's so often thought of as a burden or a weakness. My challenge to you is to linger in your time alone -- let it be light, effortless. Let it be purposeful.

Give yourself time to be with yourself -- here, in the moment.

You may find you hear your body speaking to you, asking for rest or silence. It is worthwhile to listen.

Enjoy the feeling of being strong, alone. Not isolated, but whole.

I spent today enjoying a relaxed balance of solitude and togetherness. Being surrounded by people and friends at the Evanston farmer's market gave me energy and reminded me of the wholeness in food that comes from real people. It was a beautiful start to the day.

I shared yoga class with three other yogis. I enjoyed the silence of the room as we transitioned between postures, the sounds of people walking by on the street outside, the quiet of my mind in meditation.