Summer Synchronization ; FIRE
The three months of summer, they denote opulence and blossoming.
The qi of heaven and earth interact and the myriad beings bloom and bear fruit.
Go to rest late at night and rise early.
Never get enough of the sun.
Let the mind have no anger.
Stimulate beauty and have your elegance perfected.
Cause the qi to flow away,
as if that what you loved were located outside.
This is correspondence with the qi of summer and it is the Way to nourish growth.
Opposing it harms the heart.
— Su Wen, Yellow Emperor’s Classic (475-221BC)
In Taoism and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Summer corresponds with the element of FIRE.
Fire is warmth, light, focus, joy, and laughter. “Opulence” is luxury, lavishness, wealth, and prosperity. Summer is the time to bask in what we have. While Spring is the time to plant seeds, Summer is the time to celebrate what has blossomed. The seeds of spring that could not grow will cause stagnation and frustration… it is now time to burn that anger away. Perhaps our most cherished seeds have perished, but their energy is not wasted. DO NOT LOSE SIGHT OF WHAT IS GROWING. Stimulate the beauty of what is blossoming. Let the sun shine on what is perfect.
CAUSE THE QI TO FLOW AWAY
Fire moves upward. It is a signal to Heaven. It is gratitude. Rather than dwell on our plans that have been foiled, fire reminds us that this energy can be spent in other fruitful ways. Fire has the ability to release, to expand, and to move.
The summer solstice marks the longest day in the year. From here on out, the rest of the year’s light tapers and cools. It is through our fire that we maintain light and warmth for the darkness to come.
Fire corresponds with our Heart. Our Heart houses our Mind, our Spirit. Our heart and mind are an inquenchable flame that burns until the day we die. Not only does it keep us alive, it burns to keep our loved ones warm.
Even the stars in the night are fires from ancient past. In the very same way, our fire will continue to burn beyond our lifetime. To honor the many lives that brought us here, and to guide the many lives that come after us, may our inner fire continue to burn and light the way for tomorrow.
SUMMER SYNCHRONIZATION
Instead of putting in so much effort, Summer is the time for JOY and LAUGHTER. It’s time to stay cool.
Keep it easy. Celebrate. NEVER GET ENOUGH OF THE SUN.
“Light” Summer Homework
Open Your Heart: Get out and celebrate life. BBQ with your loved ones. Splash in the water. Sing songs around a campfire. Tell everyone that you love them. Hug someone. Go to a concert in the park put on by your favorite band. Go to your favorite restaurant. Dance.
Cooling Foods: Consume more cooling and hydrating foods to counterbalance the heat. Examples include watermelon, cucumber, mint, and mung beans.
Bitter Foods: Incorporate bitter foods, which are believed to help clear heat and reduce dampness (stagnant fluid in the body). Examples include dandelion greens and bitter melon. Drink some iced mint tea or cool lemon water.
Hydration: Stay well-hydrated to counteract the body’s tendency to lose more fluids through sweating. Herbal teas such as chrysanthemum tea can be particularly beneficial.
Balance: Maintain a balance between rest and activity. Avoid excessive physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day and opt for lighter, more frequent activities
MOST IMPORTANT
Don’t try so hard. You’ve been putting in so much effort. Find time to relax. Enjoy the fire you’ve been building. A good fire has a life of its own. It will burn for the rest of year with only small adjustments. Kick up your feet. Let the warmth heal your sore muscles. You deserve a break.
