Winter Approaches......

   We are quickly approaching the Winter Solstice. The above photo has ice beginning to form, and yet there are autumn leaves lining the stream as it travels down to the waterfall. Just barely, crystals of ice on a low hanging branch that dangles above the water, crystal clear, a sign of winter to come.

   After a few chilly blasts of weather, it hardly seems like winter is just about here. We awoke to ice covering the lawns this week, and I heard hail one night, as well as a hailstorm while out on the road at work.

   The days are shorter, yet the good news is that as of this week, at least here in the Northeast, the time of sunset has gone stationary. And starting next week, on December 13th, sunset will already be a minute later, as the sun begins to make its journey back.

   Winter is a time of reflection, of going inward, slowing down. It's always a good time to care of oneself and health needs, but even moreso now in the midst of a lingering pandemic. Use common sense one of my client physicians declared. Be safe and well. Take precautions, follow guidelines as best as one can. Get some rest, curl up with a good book or a good movie.

   Even though the weather has been turning colder, regardless of the season, life finds me trekking the mountains, forests, rivers, streams and beaches. The wind has been fierce these last few months, but still I trek when I can, connecting to nature, camera in hand, documenting the changes in light and color, the moods of nature, the animals that appear, from the snowy owls visiting from Canada, to the deer who finally venture out, and the same Peregine falcon who flies over the marsh. I am caught by the silvery reflections on the water's surface, the pounding of the ocean waves, the surfers who venture out in wet suits as the water grows progressively colder.

   And seeking warmth at times in hot soups and foods, baking experiments, hot teas, all brings comfort on the winter days to come.

   For a full description of health in the changing seasons, please refer to the past articles, outlining diet and tips for a healthy life.

   Be well friends

Maery

Snowy owl December 9, 2021

 

A New Season - A New Beginning

    Dear Friends,

I don't know how many of you have been following this blog over the last few years from season to season, but now we are into Fall, according to the calendar anyway, but truthfully it didn't feel like Fall, and it was hard to write the usual column. So that, among other things, made me decide to change up the format a little bit.

For the main bulk of this blog I posted the seasons and what their changes and time required for well being such as diet, and other helpful tips. All of the seasons are still here for you to refer to, but really I wanted this blog to be about writing as well, and since I have ventured out into publishing my books, some on health, I want to talk about these new projects and talk more about life as it happens.

So I hope you will join me on this continuing journey of discovery.

My first book "Gluten Free on the Go - You Can Take It With You" was published in paperback on Amazon in May of 2021, and is also available as an ebook at a more reasonable price on Lulu.com. It is a guide to Gluten Free living for those who need to be gluten free, but also has stories of life and living, and often where an inspiration came for me to cook or create. As well there are photographs, all taken by me.

My second book "Gluten Free Home Cooking - Tradition and Family" has been written, and mostly ready for publication. It covers some of your favorite dishes and includes things like gluten free stuffing, gluten free cinnamon pumpkin pie for holiday dinners.

A third book "Gluten Free for Kids" is also in the works.

Although the theme is health and well being, I am also branching out into the arts. My fourth book is called "Monet and Me" on life and art, with sketches instead of photographs, and explores what influence art and artists have had on my life - famous artists I have met, or art that I admired, and my life journeys into art. The back cover of the book will feature an oil painting I did of me sitting in Monet's garden at Giverny, having a cup of tea, and Monet sitting in the garden at his easel painting. Also included are thoughts on famous artists like Van Gogh, Renoir, Leonardo DaVinci, as to who they really were and what was their art about.

So that is the beginning of this venture. I am also building a new website silverjourneys.wordpress.com which will feature some of my thousands of photographs and artwork.

I hope you will enjoy.

Maery (aka Mary McGrane)

Late Summer - a Time of Transition

Changing with the Seasons - Late Summer Once Again.....

The gold of Late Summer arrives

   Well friends, it barely seems as though Summer has arrived, and already there is the shift towards the interim time of Late Summer. Another time of transition, that I think helps us to transition into Fall later in the season, so that it is not so much of a shock.

   After a few sweltering heat waves and humidity, temperatures seem to moderate, although the Sun is still very strong and hot, with little or no clouds as a buffer. But of course I am writing from here, where I live, and this time of year can be different elsewhere. Winter in Australia! While we have our Summer days.

   Yesterday in the early evening I was taking a walk along the ocean, and I came upon a scallop shell, all by itself, for there were not many shells, those come more in the Fall with the high winds, and its colors were unique, a kind of blue but also shadings of a violet pink blending in from the top of the shell. I was reminded of these colors tonight in looking at the photograph above. It matches the colors perfectly. Nature knows how to express color in all its glory.

   As for the onset of Late Summer, I try to enjoy each season, and keep in mind the changes it needs for health as listed below.

   I hope you find it useful.

   Every year around this time, the beginning of August, a cold front comes through, making an unusually cool morning and day, that to me somehow signals the beginning of the end of Summer and the onset of Fall. Change is in the air. But this year, there is no cooling signal, but then again it may be too early. As August onsets I do feel a change, but it is one of being more grounded and organized.
   But there is much more about this time of year is called Later Summer in Chinese medicine, and so we must adjust once again, as the daylight hours begin to grow noticeably shorter.
   It is also a time when the harvest begins, so it is a good time for letting things go, while reaping the rewards of our endeavors at the same time. It is also a time of reflection of our Summer days and what we have done with our lives.
   Late Summer is associated with the element of earth, which seems to make sense because it is the time of harvesting crops from the Earth, at least here in the U.S. With the influence of earth one can become more grounded, take stock of oneself and one's life, reflecting on the events of Summer and preparing for Fall.
   From the element of fire comes the production of earth, through the ashes, as we manifest things in the physical. Summer projects or ideas come to fruition.
   Earth also nourishes, for example when you think of Mother Earth, the maternal nurturing aspect. This season, according to Chinese medicine, governs the stomach and spleen, so digestion becomes important. All too often we see stomach viruses in the Summer/Late Summer cycle. We need to slow down and take care of ourselves, which is sometimes hard in the fast pace of today's society. So it is a good reminder to ourselves. The stomach and spleen work together to digest and give energy and nutrition needed. Diet, as always, is important, building in some heavier proteins, whole grains, seeds, nuts and beans instead of the light salads and juices of midsummer. But not to forget the fresh produce and vegetables as well, and not to go to extremes with alcohol or heavy meals. Of course do not change your diet or habits drastically if you have certain health conditions and always notify your doctor or health care practitioner of any changes you make.
   It is important to be flexible in this time of transition, and not to resist the changes that are coming. We begin to ease slowly from Summer towards Fall, then inevitably Winter.
   The sense organ associated with Late summer is the mouth and taste, so again to do with not only digestion and assimilation, but also nutrition and nurturing oneself. The mouth also enables us to speak out our ideas and expressions, and singing also goes with the element of earth. A doctor once told me singing is healthy - it gets out any locked up emotions or hidden angers. The sound of earth is singing, so this makes sense. So feel free to sing in the shower if you don't want anyone to hear you, or sing along in the car to the radio or cd's. 
   The fluid for Late Summer is saliva, which also helps us to begin the digestion of food, so have an Autumn harvest feast of fresh foods to celebrate Late Summer. The lips is the organ where you can detect imbalances, whether they are dry, cracked or peeling. This is an indication of imbalance somewhere in the body, and to do with the element of earth.

Rocks go with the element of earth

   The compass direction that goes with earth is the center, which is not surprising, as we try to ground and center ourselves at this time of year, through the influence of the element of earth. In Feng shui, the center of the house is to do with health and healing, so it is good to keep the center of the home clean and clear of clutter. Put a sparkling clear crystal in the center of the home to radiate the seven colors of the spectrum.
   The climate to do with Late Summer is moist, and here where I reside it is a time of high humidity. Humidity moistens things and allows things to grow and come to fruition and to have less friction. Too much moisture however can promote the growth of mold and too much dampness is not good either. People who despise humidity with a vengeance may have an earth imbalance. In contrast, think of the desert where it is so dry and hot. Or in the mountains of Colorado it is so dry that my skin would crack, and lungs would hurt to breathe, since I am accustomed to the moisture and humidity of the east coast.
   The emotion to do with earth is sympathy. Although it can be wonderful to be empathetic and sympathetic in our daily lives, especially towards others, there is always a danger here to be too giving. If you give too much and sacrifice yourself for others, you can be draining your own energy and emotional reserves. For those who give too much, learn to say no sometimes. And for people who are "cold" like the cold earth, learn to give some more warmth to self and others.
   The color to do with earth is yellow. It is a bright and cheerful color, and reminds me of the sun, and like the sun, yellow brings warmth into our lives. You can use the color yellow during this time, whether you have too much earth or not enough. Everything is a balance.
   The smell of Late Summer is fragrant, like the ripe flowers, berries and crops. Use aromatherapy with fruitlike scents or anything that is fragrant - like lavendar.
   The tissue with earth is the flesh and muscles, so it is a good time to build strength through exercise, and gain strength before the Winter months come.
   As we head toward Fall, things can become bittersweet, cherishing our memories but also knowing that now another

 new cycle begins.

Be well,

Maery 

Summer Solstice 2021

 Summer Solstice 2021 - A New Time

   You may think me remiss in that I am late in posting the Summer Solstice for this year, 2021. But honestly, on June 20, 2021, it did not yet feel like summer. No indeed. A few days passed and it felt more like Summer blossoming, but slowly, and in small increments. It is like the boundaries of the seasons are blurred, and also fleeting, never making us feel secure in one season or another. And yet it is Summer.

   It is like the passage of time. Minute by minute, we don't really notice time until the current time has actually passed. If it seems to be too much for the mind to comprehend these things, we just let things flow by us. Minutes, hours, days, months, years, seasons and our lives.

   A heat wave now surrenders to a cool front coming through, yet the cool front robs us of our perceptions of Summer. But yes, it is officially Summer.

   We ease from one season to the next and as the seasons shift, our bodies must adjust once again to change.

Sailing

   The days are longer, and on the solstice we have the “longest” day – that is the longest day of sunlight. Once we pass the solstice, each day sunlight begins to grow shorter by minutes as the Sun continues on its journey.

   The Sun is considered Yang energy in the Chinese tradition. We are active, we do more, and are more outward. Spring was a time of cleansing from Winter and a time of renewal or new birth. In the Summer season things grow and bloom and mature, and then in the Fall we have the harvest.

   In Summer we experience the element of Fire according to the Chinese 5 Element theory, and governs the heart and small intestines. The other systems connected to Summer are the Pericardium which protects the heart and regulates blood flow, heat and nourishment, and the second system is the Triple Warmer which maintains temperature and warmth.

   The heart is a central organ for the whole body, like the Sun is the center of our solar system. The heart controls everything, for without a heart beat we would not live. The heart is also to do with passion.

   The other organ connected with Summer is the small intestines, which digest and absorb nutrients, and separates out toxins.

   In the body, the Triple Warmer has the upper burner, the middle burner and the lower burner. The upper burner is located in the heart and lung area, the middle burner is by the solar plexus and relates to the stomach and spleen, as well as the gall bladder, liver and small intestines, and the lower burner by the area of the navel relates to the large intestines, bladder and kidneys. The Triple Warmer produces heat and energy through respiration, digestion and elimination.

   Going back to Fire, Fire’s circulation and heating are important to balance and function of the entire body. Fire brings vitality. We always feels more energetic in Summer.

   The direction for the Summer is the South.

   The color for Summer and Fire is Red.

   The emotions associated with Summer/Fire are joy and sadness, and excess of either is not healthy.

   The flavor for Summer is bitter, which is believed to strengthen the heart and small intestines.

   The peak time for the Sun is noon. So I try to accomplish things in the morning to catch the energy flow of the Sun at its strongest. By 4 p.m. our energies start to naturally wane.

   The dominant time for the heart is between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

   The small intestine connects the stomach and large intestine, and nutrients that are absorbed into the bloodstream from the small intestines go to the liver where it can be used or stored. The waste goes to the large intestine. It is wise to avoid inflammatory foods so that the small intestine will work smoothly, avoiding too much meat, dairy, breads and sugar.

  

Fire and Water

Fire and Water

   Although we are dealing mainly with the element of Fire in the Summer, you cannot address Fire without also mentioned Water, for Fire and Water balance each other, and in Chinese Medicine, as in all things, it is the balancing of things that is important.

   If your Water element is weak, Fire can burn out of control which can result in too much heat in the body and systems and organs or create inflammation, and inflammation is often a basis for illness to develop. When Water is too strong it can drown Fire and make one weak physically, and unable to take action.

   Fire is aligned to the heart in the body, while Water is related to the kidneys. Fire relates to the male and sexual energy, and gives life just like the Sun causes growth, while Water is more female and relates to the kidneys and bladder and governs the sexual organs. Water is receptive and also in turn nourishes, feeding growth.

   For Women, if their emotions (governed by Water) are not flowing well or they are too emotional due to stress, the result in the body can be congestion with Fire in the pelvic area and can result in inflammation or infection in the sexual organs.

   For men too much sexual activity without replenishment can cause Water to take over a weakened Fire, leading to congestion and result in back aches, loss of energy and lack of creativity.

   As for diet, with the heat of Fire and Summer, a cool and light diet is best. Fruits and vegetables are Yin or wet and cooling, while Yang foods heat us up like proteins (meat, nuts, seeds, legumes) and grains and dairy.

   No matter what, do not over burden the liver, so avoid fried foods or processed foods, or chemicals, or drugs, alcohol or caffeine in excess. Any organ that is abused during one cycle can show up as illness or disease in the next season.

   To replenish a weak Fire, the taste needed is bitter. So green leafy vegetables, endive, escarole, watercress and lettuce can nourish Fire. Light use of coffee or tea is also bitter, but I prefer not to have those in my own diet because of the caffeine, and also knowing what coffee can do to your body. Excess caffeine can also burn out the adrenals and lead to inflammation. Spices like cayenne, ginger or curry can add Fire to the blood for people with weak Fire.

   Another important aspect for Fire and to keep things balanced and flowing smooth is exercise. Summer time is a perfect time to be outdoors and engage in sports like swimming, biking, hiking, or even just taking a walk.

   Overall, when I think of Summer, I think of cooling and finding balance. Each person has to find what works for them, whether it is habits or diet or exercise. Cool drinks like water with lemon, or just plain water works well in Summer. But remember do not change your diet without consulting your doctor first. These are all just suggestions that correlate to the season of Summer. It is important to find what balances work for you.

Be well,

Maery

Spring Is On Its Way

Vernal Equinox

   Another season, another cycle. We long for the rebirth of Springtime. It seems to be coming slowly, in short bursts, as Winter is not prepared to loosen its grip. We thought another year without snow, but that was not to be! Although it was not very cold, there was indeed snow, and it has been a hard Winter. Last year Spring seemed to come early, the buds escaping from their slumber, crocus dutifully the first to bloom, dark purple against the snow and dullness of dormant grass. Waiting for things to spring to life.

   Last Spring we spoke of the pandemic of 2020, and now we have new hope with vaccinations available, and life to start anew.
   With the spring season onsetting it is a time of cleansing, so it is important to do this for one's well being. So please read the recommendations below for spring and most of all be well.

March is the beginning of many new things as the seasons begin to shift and change, leaving winter slowly behind, and spring fast approaching. Sunlight has already increased, the days are longer, the quality of the sunlight is so brilliant it is inspiring.
   And with all of these changes beginning to onset slowly, our bodies naturally start to cleanse and shed the toxins gathered in winter. Although March 2oth marks

The First Crocus of Spring

the official beginning of spring, there seems to be signs of spring already. For the first time in a long time the birds were out and singing. The  neighborhood hawk returned, seeking food no doubt. Ospreys have returned to this island, and also bald eagles. And there is also a new Rooster in the neighborhood, and he crows morning, noon and night, with his harem of chickens. Yesterday they escaped their pen and were having fun roaming around the neighborhood. There is a warmth in the air. Things are beginning to grow and the grass is turning green, sun light is pervasive.
   So how to best facilitate the process?
   Cleansing is one of the most important aspects of spring, but first is to look at the approach to the season of spring through Chinese medicine. Spring is represented by the element of wood and governs the body organs of the liver and gall bladder. Wood governs trees, plants, humans, anything that is living and grows. Trees have roots, a trunk and limbs, humans have the spine, and limbs and joints.
   People with a severe wood imbalance may have spinal issues, rigidness in their bodies and personalities, arthritis flare ups, joint pain, bone issues.
   The color for spring is green. Pale green is new growth, while dark green is old growth. You can see this clearly in ivy, for the new shoots are green and the old growth is dark green.
   If a person strongly craves or dislikes green intensely it may suggest an imbalance in wood.
   But the color green can also be very healing. Spring represents new life and birth. Most animals have their young in the spring. In spring we have new ideas, inspirations, fresh starts and new beginnings. Spring always inspires and moves us into action.

The Rabbit Has Returned for Spring!

   The element of wood also gives us clarity and the ability to focus and plan things. If you cannot seem to ever manifest or plan things you could have weak wood element. If you overcompensate and try to control everyone and everything around you, you could have excessive wood energy.
   The direction for spring is the East, for the sun rises in the east. Wood clearly governs the morning hours of the day. Do you ever notice how fresh each new day seems to be?

Trees represent the element of Wood

   The climate that goes with spring is the wind. March, at least here, is a very windy month as things begin to transition from winter to spring, and wind has a certain quality of cleansing to it. Nothing remains stagnant when there is wind, and things can be blown away. Wind can nourish wood, but too much wind is not good either. As an example of too much wind, it can lower one's resistance in general, spark up your allergies, make you feel imbalanced, stir up sinus issues, skin issues, and watery or red, irritated eyes, nose and throat.
   The eyes in general are the sense organ for the liver, and the sense associated with wood is sight. What do you see or perceive? Fluids like tears go with wood as well, and tears help us to shed the past. 
   The taste for wood is sour. Some sour tasting foods will nourish the liver. If you crave sour or vinegar intensely or dislike sour flavors intensely it might be a sign of wood imbalance. Other than vinegar, drinking lemon water goes with wood, and also cleanses the liver.
   The emotion associated with wood is that of anger, and shouting. Anger injures both the liver and gall bladder. Sometimes when people hold in anger or suppress it in any way it builds up toxins.
   The tissue associated with wood is muscles, ligaments and tendons. This makes me think of strength, making and keeping muscles strong, as well as being flexible. You may notice towards the end of winter muscles may feel somewhat weak, but then as spring progresses you may start to feel stronger.
   The element of Wood can sometimes be controlling and inflexible. There was a family who called me in for a consultation for their new home, and the entire interior was all heavy wood. My recommendation for that home was to add some of the color white to introduce some of the element of Metal to tone down the Wood influence. There was just too much wood. Too much wood can make a person dull, rigid, unexpressive or a tyrant.
   The organ that goes with Wood is the liver. The liver processes out toxins. Liver also has the word "live" inside it. Everything we eat, drink or take including vitamins or medications much be processed through the liver. We can become dull or lethargic if our liver is toxic and unable to process out all the toxins. The first line of toxicity is the kidneys. Once the kidneys become toxic, then the liver also becomes clogged and toxic, so the toxins stay in the body. So that is why we cleanse in the spring, to rid the body of toxins accumulated during the winter months.
   The liver is also a storehouse for nutrients, so it is much more than just processing out toxins. If your liver is toxic, most likely you will not get as much nutrition as you need.  The liver produces vile to help in digestion and then stores the bile in the gall bladder, which is later used in the intestines to break down fats. Too much fat in a diet could over burden the gall bladder. The liver also metabolizes carbohydrates, fats and protein, and also plays a role in blood sugar metabolism, and it also forms gamma globulin and plasma proteins for the immune system. It also makes agents for clotting blood, and both forms and stores vitamins A, D and B, as well as minerals like copper, zinc and iron.
   So things that affect the liver negatively are overeating, too much alcohol or drugs, too many chemicals in food or water, fried foods and heavy meats. Refined sugar and white flour is also stressful for the digestive system. Including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains (in moderation), seeds, nuts and beans is more nutritious and supportive to our organs.
   In Chinese medicine, a clogged or malfunctioning gall bladder can result in physical and mental congestion in the shoulders and head, as well as the hips and thighs, and is often a cause for headaches.

Cleansing
   There is no set rule for cleansing, for each person has individual needs, and people should not cleanse without letting their healthcare professional know.
   So for some people it means juicing for a few days and fasting in between, and there are many different cleanses available online or in books. 
   It can be as simple as drinking more water, adding more fruits and vegetables and greens to your diet as you see fit.
   Some people use herbs to detox, but again, your doctor should know about anything that you attempt. You can drink herbs in the form of teas if you wish.

   So good luck with whatever you do to celebrate spring, for a healthier, happy you!

Maery