Summer Solstice

   And then the rains came.....

   And they came and stayed, water in sheets and torrents, soaking the Earth, drowning flowers and plants, causing people to run with umbrella in their daily tasks, hiding inside. It has been a time of unusual weather patterns, not just here but across the country. We are fortunate here in that we have not gotten extremes like tornados ripping through with destructive cleansing.

   Yet at the same time, it is hard to tell when one season onsets and when one ends. And as we approach the Summer Solstice this year, we have had some record heat here and there, yet in between remains the cool chill in the air, having had the heat on as late as the month of May. 

   Of course weather is always changing and unpredictable, but when you have extremes in weather and temperatures and humidity and life threatening damaging storms it is hard for the body to adjust to the changes, which causes a bit of stress on the systems. So which season do you pick to follow your routine in well being and healthy living?

   It seems you have to adapt to whatever is coming and be flexible. Carry the extra sweater and dress lightly or in layers, for by afternoon you could be experiencing a heat wave, or a downpour and hail, or high winds. About 2 or 3 years ago we had 60 mile per hour winds on a regular basis which was close to hurricane force winds.

   I try to abide by the season that seems most dominant, although the seasons seem to be arriving about a month or two late, so I wait and see and sense what seems most appropriate. For Spring was a time of cleansing, yet with the darkness of days inside and rain, it seemed like Winter was lingering. So on the chilly wet days get out the soups and warm beverages and return to cleansing. For Summer we need to deal with intense heat so the cooler foods and beverages apply. Healthy fruit or vegetable smoothies, salads, less of the heavier foods.

   The good news is that more time can be spent outside with exercise and sports or just enjoying the day outdoors in nature. Walking continues to be an all around activity, if you can, with many health benefits, including cardio, brain, just about everything.

   I also found that after such long periods of time with dark skies and rain for days that the sunlight can be a bit of a shock. Make sure to wear your sunglasses to protect your eyes, and sunscreen to protect your skin.

   In the traditional Chinese Medicine, Summer is the time of maturation and growth, which we also see evident in the plants and flowers. Summer is governed by the element of Fire, like the Sun which is so bright now, and the organs connected with this season is the heart and small intestines. Summer is considered masculine in nature, the high point of the day being 12 noon. During this season it is important to stay hydrated, and to not get too overheated. It is a good reminder for our heart health - in eating healthy foods including fruits and vegetables, of which there is plenty this time of year. Why not get your annual checkup to make sure your blood pressure and heart are still healthy. For the small intestines it is to do with digestion and nutrition, so eat well and lightly, to nourish and cleanse and balance. It's always a balancing act in all the seasons.

   the tongue and speech are the sense organ for Summer - find how well you can communicate with others and be aware of your sense of taste. The tissue associated with Summer is blood vessels, so again check your heart health. The taste for Summer is bitter - for this balances out the Fire believe it or not. Examples are Green Tea, cranberries, endive, arugula, celery, unsweetened cocoa powder, olives to name a few. The sound of Summer is laughter, which is good to hear and experience. For the emotions associated with Summer there is both joy and sorrow so you must choose which one you want to have.

   You can always look back to previous articles for tips on the seasons. I wish you well in this and every season. Live your life and celebrate it.

Maery