It seems to me that whenever we get used to something, danger arises. That danger is taking whatever we’ve become accustomed to for granted. Like when we go to sleep at night, we take for granted we’ll find ourselves refreshed in the morning. Or that when we visit a Farmer’s Market, we take for granted that we’ll find seasonal produce for sale. Or, when we go to our local library, we take for granted that we’ll find a few books we like on loan. All these things are a given, for the most part.
Even though I have made Southern California my home for the last forty years, give or take a few moves here and there, I have taken for granted something that perhaps drives people here in the first place. That is, the weather. With its Mediterranean climate, equating to easy-going temperatures and conditions, So Cal weather spoils us. Chilly damp winters, followed by mild misty springs, warm dry summers, then cool crisp autumns. Nothing too extreme. Yes, climate change has had an impact on our meteorological and atmospheric environment as of late, but usually we can count on these conditions.
At least, for ten months of the year. How easy it is to forget what happens in May and June. Those 61 mornings when we open our shades and expect to be greeted by rays of luminosity gently caressing our faces and beckoning us outdoors to bask in it.
From my journal: May 15, 2017, Newbury Park, California
“A cold, clammy, cloudy morning…it’s even drizzling outside…ugh!”
On May 24, 2017
“Another cool, cloudy morning…if only I had nothing to do and could stay home all cozy…”
On June 1, 2017
So tired…it’s this time of year…I’m ready for a change. I’m ready for summer…sunshine!”
What I forgot about then and have been reminded of now is what we Californians refer to as “May Gray” and “June Gloom”. Just as the terms imply, most mornings are shrouded in thick clouds, heavy fog, and damp drizzle. What causes this gray gloom? Basically, it’s the season. During May and June clouds become trapped beneath an inversion layer of warmer air. This layer acts like a lid allowing overcast skies to linger for days…and days…and days.
Despite how long I’ve lived here, it always seems to come as a surprise. Just last week when I asked two of my Spin classmates how they were doing, one yawned, and said, “What’s with this weather?” And the other with knitted brows demanded to know, “Where is the sun?!” I had to chuckle. It seems I am not the only one with a short memory.
So, what is it about sunlight that we crave, that we want, that we need? Being exposed to the sun for as little as thirty minutes a day provides an array of benefits. If we’re talking Science, sunshine helps boost our body’s Vitamin D production which when combined with Calcium strengthens our bones and can protect us from developing osteoporosis. Sunbeams may heal wounds, regulate blood pressure, and keep our brains in tip top shape. Emotionally speaking, sunlight can combat Seasonal Affective Disorder, relieve pain, and reduce the effects of depression. It improves our mood, makes us more alert, and can even help us sleep better. In all its glory, sunshine promotes good vibrations, positivity, and simply makes us feel happy.
While some days the gray and gloom lift later in the afternoon and the rays come out to play, I need to show a little more respect, a little more appreciation, a little more gratitude to that star that is the source of heat and light for all the planets in our solar system. Our big bold beautiful sun! On those mornings when I want to stay buried under the covers because I don’t see light streaming through our windows, I just need to remind myself that yes, the sun will come out. If not today, then it’ll come out tomorrow. Or at the very least, by the end of June.
A Journal Journey 