Blessed Summer, Dear One:
The longest day of the year is upon us (here in the Northern Hemisphere) — June 21st! Life unfurls quickly with the extra hours of daylight. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fire is the element associated with Summer, and its powerful light radiates into our inner being as well as our external world.
During this summer’s increase of sunlight and Yang energy, you can find yourself waking up earlier, staying out later, enjoying bursts of spontaneity and social energy. This is all in harmony with the season. You may also notice a change in the quantity/quality of your sleep. We can balance Summer’s firey energy by creating space for self-care and slowing down. Fires can roar, but they can also smolder.
Tips to Stay Healthful & Connected This Summer
Our bodies are constantly changing. To every drop of water we drink, food we eat, air we breathe. To every tiny shift in temperature, weather and season. As we step into this seasonal transition from Spring to Summer, you can support your unique vitality and health by aligning with this season’s offerings. This season invites movement, growth and expansion! Just look around, the plants know what they’re doing! In my garden, garlic scapes are sprouting, lettuce is growing, and the first few raspberries are starting to bear fruit.
So… how can I get aligned?
Prioritize rest and sleep.
Summer can get wild with all the activity, so be sure to take time for yourself to rest and relax. Build it in daily, weekly, and be sure to get solo recharge time.
Eat cooling foods, and eat slowly.
Digestive fire is hotter this time of year — eat lots of bitter greens (like radicchio, escarole, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard). Enjoy all the flavors of the seasons!
Drink lots of pure, fresh water.
The sun’s strong this time of year. Rehydrate your cells from the inside, out. Drink 8-10 8oz glasses of water a day. Thank your water.
Move your body regularly, if you are able.
Build a sweat, clear toxins from the body at least twice a week. A long walk, swim, hike, bike, dance/wiggle in your living room. Move in new ways, your body will thank you!
Spend time with loved ones.
It builds connection and adds kindling to your inner fire.
For personalized support through this transition, come in and see me!
Invitation: Sunlight Visualization
Start by standing or sitting (with your feet planted on the ground) and facing the sun. Place your hands by your side and let your pinky finger touch your thumb.
Once you’re in a comfortable position facing the sun, take some slow, deep breaths. Let thoughts float. Feel the sun’s warm rays on your skin.
After a minute of breath, imagine the sunlight shining through your body, infusing your being with healing energy and nourishment. Continue breathing and feel that sunlight moving through you and gathering in your belly. With each breath, more sunlight channels through your body and flows to your belly.
Keep breathing and feel the sunlight gathering and becoming stronger within you. Visualize it growing into a golden ball of light that shines outward to the rest of your body. Feel it shine through your legs, chest, arms, neck, and into your head. As the sunlight moves, feel it invigorate you with joy, inspiration, and health.
Continue doing this exercise as long as you’d like. When you’re done, smile at your golden ball of sunlight and take that feeling with you into the rest of your day.
Community Brightlights
+Gabriela Masala: tending to Spirit + timing
+Have Heart Healing & Wellness: tending to mental health {Seattle + beyond}
+A Sacred Passing: tending to death and dying
+Lola Earl: thoughtful goods + gifts
Qi Gong classes (online and in person) with Chenoa Egawa
+Sistah Scifi Books: A cauldron of all things afrofuturism; Black mysticism, science fiction noir, and traditional voodoo; as they say it so divinely… “casting spells to uplift literature written by Black women”
+Massage: Stephany at Brilliant Medicine and Michele Trump at Vital Roots
+MAYU Water Product: water spiralizer, you may have seen in the office.
+Sword & Lotus: Breathwork {in-person Seattle and virtual}
+Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit {book rec} by amazing local Seattle-based author Lyanda Lynn Haupt
Summertime Rose & Mint Elixir
Make a fresh infusion to delight in this new season. Native rose petals, mint leaves, calendula petals and lemon balm leaves can be wildrafted or harvested from your yard or your neighbors. I love the practice “gleaning” all throughout the summer. There are many edibles that are available and most folks don’t harvest what is growing around them. Ask for permission and may be able to find all of these ingredients in your neighborhood. Look them up for positive ID. Once harvested, steep a handful of these (fresh or dried) herbs in hot water, or set outside for a sun infusion. Enjoy hot or cold. Keep your eyes open for our beloved native nootka rose, like these over here!
Blessed Summer, dears. May this light nourish you.
