Summer represents warmth, transformation and dynamic upward movement; a time when Yang is in its fullest expression. During this season we are given the opportunity to witness ourselves and the world around us expand to the fullest potential, much the same way a plant bears fruit.
An embodiment of growth, regeneration, connection, activity and creativity, Summer is a time of vibrance and abundance; as if the natural world and all its inhabitants are in full bloom after the gentle unfurling of Spring.
The Summer season is associated with the Fire Element and Heart/Small Intestine meridian system, including the Pericardium, and the Triple Burner/San Jiao. These organs govern warmth, connection, joy, passion and purpose and through embodying ancient Taoist principles, we can bring balance to the Fire Element within us, calming the mind and nourishing the Spirit - the Shen.
Lifestyle practices for Summer
Summer signifies the time to nourish and calm our Shen and pacify our Spirit, to connect with the world around us as we find joy in hot summer days and long summer nights. These are some of our favourite practices to transition into Summer and embrace the transformative energy this special season has to offer, as it accumulates in the Heart/Small Intestine system.
- Wake earlier in the morning.
- Go to bed later in the evening.
- Rest at midday.
- Seek out the Water Element to balance the Fire - swimming
- Incorporate cardiovascular exercise into your routine, keep it relative to your own physical capacity
- Incorporate activities that bring you joy and give time to your creative pursuits
- Create space for gentle, quiet time with yourself
- Slow mindful practices such as meditation, yoga and Qigong
- Tune into your own intuition and inner truth
- Let yourself play
- Engage your senses and spend time in nature
- Prioritise connection and time with your loved ones, but be equally as protective of your capacity and cultivate a gentle awareness of your capacity
Find alignment with the Qi Cycle
Earlier we spoke about the body-energy clock which is the Taoist Organ Clock/Wheel that is built upon the concept of the cyclical ebb and flow of energy/Qi throughout the body. From 11 am to 1 pm, Qi flows through the Heart system. It is during this time that working with purpose and holding your vision with intention is most potent, it is when hard work and problem-solving are supported. From 1 pm until 3 pm Qi flows through the Small Intestine, as the Yang phase peaks at midday, we slowly transition into the Yin and begin cruising through the rest of our day. Around 1 pm is the most ideal time to take an intentional break, sit down and mindfully eat your lunch. Finding thirty minutes to slowly eat a nutritious meal and intentionally disconnect from your work etc. can allow you to return to a calm and focused state, able to work undisturbed for the rest of your working day.
