The Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms, and the Summer term began on May 5th. Early summer is a fascinating time when nature awakens, and the world bursts forth with vibrant energy. Let’s explore the essence of this season and its impact on our well-being.
The Yang Energy of Early Summer
As we approach the summer solstice on June 21st, the signs of summer become more apparent. Flowers bloom in full splendor, days lengthen, and the sun’s intensity grows. In terms of yin and yang, summer represents the peak of yang energy—the active, expansive force.
During early summer, the environment brims with yang qi, which radiates like the sun’s rays or the heat from a sunbaked pavement. These waves coming off the pavement is one of the most visible occurrences of qi! This energy affects not only the external world but also our internal state.
The Fire Element and Its Influence
Summer is ruled by the Fire element, associated with the Heart, Small Intestine, Triple Energizer, and Pericardium organ channels. When balanced, Fire energy promotes joy, love, and conscious awareness. However, imbalances can lead to various symptoms:
Excessive Heat: Profuse sweating, thirst, heartburn, and palpitations
Emotional Signs of imbalance: Bitterness, depression, insomnia, sarcasm, inappropriate laughter, forgetfulness, jealousy
Physical Manifestations: Unnatural redness, weak cardio, and high blood pressure
Cultivating Harmony and Joy
In health, a harmonious heart allows us to give and receive love appropriately. Our ability to connect with others stems from propriety, and our minds remain calm. Sleep becomes restorative, and heart health thrives.
Joy is the emotion associated with summer. Striking the right balance is crucial—too much joy can lead to unproductive mania. The scent of summer is scorched, akin to roasted marshmallows. Laughter, the color red, and celebratory gatherings resonate with this season.
Love and Conscious Awareness
In Sufism and Taoism, love is more than a romantic love. It is a spiritual or divine love that connects us all. Rumi discusses this love as a great yearning as a lover of God.
“You are the Essence of the Essence,
The intoxication of Love.
I long to sing Your Praises
but stand mute
with the agony of wishing in my heart!”
~Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rumi
While Lao Tzu discusses the interconnectedness and oneness of all beings.
"Accept disgrace willingly... Accept being unimportant... Surrender yourself humbly; then you can be trusted to care for all things. Love the world as your own self; then you can truly care for all things."
~Lao Tzu
When you notice negativity in the mind creeping over, instead allow your heart to take over. Use love to see beyond the mind.
It is important that the Heart organ channel sets the tone of the body systems in a balanced way. Its nickname is called the Supreme Controller or Ruler. A harmonious heart will promote joy and peacefulness in the body.
During this season, take time to connect with others outside, and eat cooling and hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, mung beans, snow peas, and mint. Drink plenty of water and dark leafy greens. Because your digestive qi is at its peak, your body can more easily handle cold and raw foods; however, always consider moderation. Overconsumption can lead to bloating and indigestion. Avoid alcohol and heavy and greasy foods.
Nourishing Practices for Early Summer
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay cool and balanced.
Cooling Foods: Enjoy cucumbers, watermelon, mung beans, snow peas, and mint.
Raw Foods: Your digestive qi is at its peak, making it easier to handle cold and raw foods. Moderation is key.
Avoid Heavy Foods: Steer clear of alcohol, greasy meals, and excessive indulgence.
Embrace the radiance of early summer, connect with others, and let love guide your conscious awareness. 🌞🌸🌿
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