Licking Sunshine

Slikke solskin

Do you remember a few months ago, when you couldn’t wait for spring and the warmer weather? Now, as we have had the sun, heat, thunder, lightning, humidity and all-out summer for a while, we should look back. Because, we humans are never satisfied. So let this be a small reminder…

[Søren Harbel: Slikke Solskin - Rome]

In the great white north. Somewhere in Scandinavia. There is a term which expresses both longing and gratitude. It is when after a long and dark winter, the sun finally shows itself and brings back life, love and happiness. It is a simple expression, which I have not heard used in other languages, at least not any that I have any kind of comprehension of. The term: slikke solskin, is Danish for licking sunshine.

[Søren Harbel: Slikke Solskin - Livorno]

Licking sunshine is when in early spring, you slow down, come to a stop, close your eyes, lift your face, and angle it to the sun. It is a moment when the warmth of the sun’s rays remind you of life to come. The joy that only the sun can bring. It is a quiet thank you for the pleasure the sun gives, even in the otherwise dark north.

[Søren Harbel: Slikke Solskin - Copenhagen]

Danish has contributed little to the world dictionary. Two words, to be exact. The word hygge, which is now widely used and abused, and mostly misunderstood, and the second ombudsmand, which I am sure needs no explanation. But let us get back to spring, because I wish to nominate slikke solskin.

The first signs of crocuses, blue bells, and snowdrops, suggest spring. I am not a skilled botanist, but these are the signs of new life. Yet someone randomly stopping and angling their face to the sun, this truly signals spring to me.

[Søren Harbel: Slikke Solskin - Copenhagen II]

[Søren Harbel: Slikke Solskin - Paris]

Some say that looking directly at the sun through your closed eyelids is good for your eyesight. I have no idea how scientific this is, but I am going with it, mostly because this is one of the great feelings in life. It is a gesture, which affirms that I am alive and can soak up the energy that only the sun can give. There is the whole vitamin D thing, which I assume I am accumulating at great speed when my face is angled just so? But if not, it doesn’t matter. I will do it anyway. It can only be good for you!

[Søren Harbel: Slikke Solskin - Copenhagen III]

As the Summer settles in, there will be many opportunities to strip down and find the sun. I can soak my body in the warmth of the sun’s rays, but that is later. This is now. This is when the sun comes out after a long sleep and again brings us light and signals another season of life affirming joy.

[Søren Harbel: Slikke Solskin - Venice]

I found, by chance, I made a few photographs over the years of people licking sunshine. Sometimes dropping onto a bench and leaning back to get just the right angle, but also sometimes simply slowing down and coming to a stop. Facing the sun and recognising through closed eyes the moment when life can start again.

During those first spring days, when it gets a little warmer and the sun breaks out, it is the time to regenerate and recharge.

[Søren Harbel: Slikke Solskin - Rome II]

As you now sit in the air conditioning, if you are lucky. In the stifling stillness of high humidity and extreme heat, if you are not. Think back to spring’s first battle with winter, and try to remember how you felt, and just how fortunate we are.

For the purposes of your ever expanding vocabulary, I nominate: slikke solskin

Slikke solskin:
The sun caresses my face
Time stands still
My mind rests
I am grateful

[Søren Harbel: Slikke Solskin - Madrid]

Until next time…..