A couple days ago, as I was sifting through my majorly overcrowded e-mail inbox, I came across a New York Times Saturday newsletter that really got me! Since, in beautiful cosmic fashion, I can no longer find that e-mail in my inbox, I will just call it The Summer of George Saturday Morning New York Times Newsletter.
I instantly recognized the “George” in the phrase “The Summer of George” as George Costanza because—I LOVE SEINFELD. I mean, I’m obsessed. When going to sleep at night, I play Seinfeld on low volume with the screen dimmed all the way down. As I listen to the hilarity and ridiculous antics of these fabulous and relatable characters, the humor is like a balm to my mind. Plus, I’m so familiar with most of the episodes that hearing the dialogue is calming and soothing, which honestly helps me fall asleep pretty quickly.
So, the author of The Morning newsletter, Melissa Kirsch, is talking about the idea of “branding” your summer, and she takes us through some examples of the various summer brands that have been. Hot Girl Summer might be the most recognizable for other people, but the summer of George is the only one that stuck for me. And when I reached the end of her article, she provided a link for readers to share what their summer of 2023 brand would be. At first I had no idea what my summer of ’23 brand would be, but that didn’t stop me from responding to her request:
Hello,
Number one, I just love this article. It's funny, poignant, historical, and relevant for today--all of the things that I love, and appreciate, even in Seinfeld. I am a bit of a Seinfeld junkie. When going to sleep at night, I listen to Seinfeld with the dimmer all the way down, and the sound low enough that it doesn't excite my senses, and I am asleep in minutes--like a baby. In many situations I find myself referring to a Seinfeld episode: full disclosure, I find this way more hilarious than the unwitting bystanders with whom I share my deep-felt insights. Hence my deep appreciation for the Seinfeld flavor in your newsletter. Brava!
I have not given any thought to my summer of 2023 brand. I have had “the feelings” for the entry into the summer season, so let’s see if I can encapsulate them succinctly!
Put It in the F*ck-It Bucket! Summer of 2023!
I’m a yoga teacher and have the great good fortune to spend my summers in the Northwoods of Wisconsin (Three Lakes to be exact). My background is as a lover of art, literature, and psychology. Over the past year, easing back into social situations, it is clear that many, if not all, of us as a collective have experienced a great trauma with this global pandemic. And I have also noticed that our social interactions and etiquette could use a little tuning up--no offense.
As a lover of equanimity, as well as experiencing the wide array of human emotions, I realize it is mind-bendingly clear that we all need to give ourselves some space within our minds. This is an ironic idea that we could use some “space” after having three years of doing just that! However, we have been through it together, and separately. This idea of being “together” again is great, as well as anxiety-producing, and it shows! Horn honking, short fuses, thin skin, and feeling understandably sensitive are all seen, heard, and felt. I know I need a time-out when I wanna flip that person the bird for cutting me off on the highway. Exercising my favorite practice that I learned from my yoga teacher Erich Schiffmann, I pause mentally--breathe--and R e l a a a a x. This is everything. This is one of the greatest ways to give yourself mental space to let go of the reaction that’s not so productive and to let yourself off the hook.
The truth is nobody’s perfect. We are all beautiful in our adorable imperfections. If something is not working for you, put it in the f*ck-it bucket! Pause mentally, breathe, and relax. Give yourself a break! We are all going through it on some level. So, give yourself the mental space you need to take a breath of fresh air and take it easy. Get good at not hassling yourself. Do what you feel like doing. Do not do what you do not feel like doing. Let the summer vacation mentality work for YOU. You aren’t blowing off accountability. You are blowing off the reactions that do not work for you.
That’s right! Put it in the f*ck-it bucket and watch the quality of your life, and even the lives of those around you, become lighter, more fun, and bright. ’Cause don’t we all need a little levity and fun?
This was fun to write. Thank you for asking folks to send it in. If nothing else, this helped me to discover my unique Summer of George brand. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Alie McManus
To me, following my inner guidance to do something even if I don’t have it figured out, is the essence of a fun and meaningful experience. This was a meditation for me. I continued to follow the feeling and trust in what was flowing. Life can be super sweet even, and especially, in the unexpected opportunities. I’d like to invite you to be brave and follow your bliss even when you don’t know what it’s all about! Let’s keep sharing our love with one another!
I recently heard back from Melissa Kirsch, and she shared that my e-mail caught her eye and that she may include some of it in The Morning Newsletter on Saturday for the New York Times. I shot through the roof when I received her e-mail back—totally elated! It would be amazing if my summer of ’23 brand gets a mention, but even if it doesn’t, trusting myself, listening for guidance, and allowing the full feeling to pour out of my fingers was real bliss and a reward unto itself.
I hope you have a blessed summer solstice!
Namaste + Love,
Alie