Nothing says “summer” like the Fourth of July holiday. Grilling hot dogs and hamburgers, slicing ice-cold watermelon, lighting sparklers with the kids, and enjoying fireworks shows for all…Ginny brings out all the stops for a memorable time with all the family present.

In my first reading of Ginny’s Part One “Healing Journey” of Wisdom from the Woods, I was struck by how Ginny has the gift to make any experience or celebration a sacred and holy one.

One of the lasting spiritual practices that I gained from her story is being fully present, enjoying special times…making them special and sacred.

In Ginny’s time in the woods, whether it was making a juice drink, going for a walk in the woods, or chatting with a new friend in Door County, Ginny lived out this important practice of focusing attentively on the moment-by-moment experiences.

When I became closer friends with Ginny, she shared with me her special holiday family time—Thanksgivings, Christmases, and one of my favorites—The Fourth of July gatherings that brought her family to Door County for a special time of summer celebration.

How does Ginny make it special, holy, and sacred?

Hear about it in her own words…

My heart predicts that the forecast for July 4th this year is very sunny and filled with joy! My family is coming to Door County so that we can all be together once again for the first time in two years.

Our family will connect with my brother’s family at my niece’s house on July 3rd. There will be 25 of us, gathered on the shores of Lake Michigan, all sitting around a campfire that evening!

On the 4th, we will attend the traditional 4th of July parade, with horses, fire trucks, people on stilts, cotton candy, and various floats depicting the local culture of Door County. That will be followed by spending all day at Knudson House, the community in which we live on the shores of Eagle Harbor in Ephraim.

Golf, swimming, kayaking, boating, fishing and circles of conversations will unfold, all filled with the joy of coming back together again after this long period of being apart.

What I know already, as a spiritual practice for me these days, is the hug I will experience with each of my precious family members.

Being deeply present while experiencing love passing from one heart to another during a hug has become a holy moment of presence and connection these days. There is an extra few moments in the hugs I experience now. They are precious and appreciated in body, mind and spirit in very new ways of celebration, gratitude and love.

Hoping you all experienced a very happy and sunny 4th of July, filled with hugs of love and joy, as your traditions find form in connections with family and friends, once again coming together to make memories that etch in our hearts forever!