The season of summer is here. In summer the sun is at the highest point in the sky. This is the most yang time of year. In “the summer” of our own lives or the fire time of our life cycle we are at our highest time of our life. It is when we arrive at our own maturity. These are the years we are out working with other people by doing the work we are meant to do.
The season of summer supports the fire in all of us. The Fire element holds our capacity for relationship. Relationship has two aspects to be considered. There is the aspect of the relationship we have with ourselves and the aspect of relationship that we have with others. It boils down to love. The health of our internal fire stokes the love we have for ourselves and our ability to extend that love to others.
In Chinese philosophy the Heart is seen as the sovereign of the kingdom – of the body/mind/spirit. We show the condition of our heart through the light shining in our eyes
For seasonal balance, summer eating requires one to eat and cook lightly, with dashes of spicy, pungent, or even fiery flavors. Be creative! Brightly colored summer fruits and vegetables assist in designing healthy as well as visually pleasing meals. Continue the practice, begun in the spring, of sautéing, steaming, or simmering foods using high heat for a short period of time. While it is counter-intuitive, Chinese medicine holds that drinking hot liquids, such as spiced teas can be beneficial in the summer because they bring body heat to the surface where it can both induce sweating and be released. This “heat-on-the-surface” reflects the summertime climate and thus harmonizes the body with the environment. Spices such as fresh ginger, horseradish, cayenne and black pepper are useful for this purpose.
Create a temperate environment, drink more water, and introduce cooling foods. These can include salads, sprouts, cucumbers, and tofu. Limes, apples, watermelons, and lemons are fruits that are excellent for cooling summer heat. Heavy foods, such as meats, eggs, and root vegetables, can lead to sluggishness and should be avoided on the hottest days.
A Traditional Heart Exercise: Smiling from Your Heart
According to TCM, your face—particularly your eyes—is the mirror of your Heart. The Heart is home to the Shen, or spirit, so your face reflects this aspect of your soul. When your spirit changes, your face changes as well.
True smiling from the heart, not just a fake smile, actually has a profound physiological effect. It promotes the flow of Qi and blood throughout your entire body. Both smiling and laughter can create emotional Qi and drive it through your body, helping it—and your heart—to heal.
Summer activities are perfect for promoting this smile from the heart:
family reunions, social gatherings, dances, parties, camping, races, sporting events, staying up late with friends and family.
