Late Summer - A Time of Reflection

 Dawn at Montauk, NY

   It's that time again when Summer reaches its full height - with record breaking temperatures soaring into heat indices of 105 - 126 degrees across the country - and then suddenly it breaks as a cold front comes through. Temperatures plunge down to 64 degrees and storms move across the country. Heavy rains, flooding, lightning, trees down. We were spared in my area but other parts of the Island were severely flooded.

   There was already a sense of Late Summer onsetting despite the heat, for after the Dog Days of late July you get a sense of change coming. Days are getting a bit shorter and cooler temperatures will start to arrive, but not until Summer and the Sun give their last gasp of a few more heat waves. Until gradually Late Summer will transition into Fall.

   So it's a time of reflection - what have we done or accomplished over the last few months. And where do we go from here.

   Of course Late Summer is a 5th season that exists only in Chinese lore, so for most of us we consider this time to still be Summer. But nevertheless you can feel a shift. Summer has reached its peak.

   Late Summer of course is related to the element of Earth, which is more grounding than the robust Fire we have just come through. It is also the time of harvest so there is plenty of rich produce available in the stores and on the many farm stands that dot the Island on both the north and south shores.

   The organs or body systems related to Earth are the stomach and the spleen. The stomach to do with nourishment and digestion - and the spleen helps to distribute the energy from foods through the body. Often, if out of balance, stomach viruses and upset appear during this time. Your stomach will ache and you will think it is something you ate. It is just more sensitive at this time.

   The throat and the mouth are also under the influence of Earth and the color associated with this time is yellow, also very earthy in its nature. With this being the time of harvest one would naturally tend toward fruits and vegetables in their diet but also start building towards the Fall diet to come so to include more protein than in Spring and Summer.

   No matter what any transition from one season to another can be taxing, so it is important to take care of oneself by eating well and getting the proper rest. I know for myself I make an effort to continue to spend as much time outdoors in nature as I can because I know all too soon it will be too cold to be outdoors too long. Last year there was an abrupt shift early in the Fall - in October - where I had to turn the heat on in the house way before I usually do. I take long walks especially by the water, or sit in the yard, and cleaning up all the summer projects outdoors that are not finished yet - like trimming and weeding and seeing what areas need new seed for next year.

   It's a bit wistful this season, which only deepens in the Fall so I spend quiet time in meditation. It's been a good Summer with many new adventures and seeing friends old and new - so I have no complaints.

   I hope each of you finds your own sense of contentment.

   Be well

Maery

 Summer Solstice Returns

Dawn at Orange Lake

   Listen to the wind and rain.......

   One would hardly know that the Summer Solstice is but a few days away. Yes the light has increased and the days are getting longer. And in the photograph above the morning light is that translucent pale yellow accentuated by the darkness of the mountains and the lake still rising towards daylight - yet even the birds are awake and floating on the calm surface.,, 

   But it's the cool air and the days of rain that confuse us making us doubt the seasons altogether. Some kind of strange mystery. It is June after all. The increase of light and Spring made us shed the winter toxins and we eagerly embraced the sunlight. Except temperatures would fall sometimes 30 degrees at night making our bodies feel like winter has somehow returned albeit briefly.

   It is challenging enough to change with the seasons throughout the year, but this confusion of the seasons and the cool, wet temperatures make it even moreso. A few days of sunshine and we are back into Summer mode until cool air returns. So it is even more important to stay rested and balanced and eating a healthy diet so to be able to flow with these extreme changes.

   I find myself on the cooler days craving soups and tea for warmth, but then returning to the fresh fruits and vegetables once it warms again. And getting plenty of rest. When your body tells you to rest you should rest, and be active when you have the energy to do so.

   Either way Summer will be here and we do have to shift into the season. Summer is expressed through the element of Fire and the color Red so yes that indicates action and energy, energy that must be used. The climate of course would be heat and the smell would be scorched. But Summer also has many dual aspects. For example the emotions with Summer are a mixture of Joy and Sorrow - so things can go from one extreme to the other and so it is important to recognize that things can shift and change and stay on an even keel when it comes to the emotions. The organs affected by Summer are also a dual nature - to do with both the Heart and the Small Intestine. So it is important to stay "cool" in some respects to Summer - not getting too hot. To get nourishment from our food we need a properly functioning small intestine. Without that it can lead to an imbalance in the blood, which can also affect the heart. Imagine the importance of everything flowing smoothly through all the organs and systems in the body.

   It's almost impossible to go through all the nuances of these facets to do with the season, so you can always scroll down to previous articles below over the years.

   But getting back to listening to the wind and rain, when I began to write this article for this season such a storm was raging outside that you could hear the wind gusting and at the same time the staccato of the rain against the roof and windows. It was like a symphony and let myself just listen to the rhythms and be in it at the moment, sensing some hours later the storm abating and things warming up again. Good to be conscious of the changes as they are happening - for an easier and smoother transition.

   Nothing is ever easy these days it seems, and hopefully these articles over the years have been helpful. In the way of further assistance just know that I also offer Reiki sessions - to help the body slow down and heal itself. You can always leave a message through the blog and I can get in contact with you.

   But just know, that in closing, the sound that goes with Summer is laughter, so make sure you find some opportunities in your life for some joy and laughter.

As always - in good meaning and be well

Maery

Spring At Last

I've been waiting for this - literally counting the days - and suddenly the timing of the Vernal Equinox is upon us. And yet Spring seems to hesitate - moving back and forth between late Winter and early Spring as though it is undecided.

The birds have been appearing here and there - the first song of the cardinal for the season but not a regular visitor yet. The faithful mockingbird with his loud call is ever present - claiming his territory for his nest with his mate for another season. The cardinal and mockingbirds seem to have chased away the blue jays the last few years. And the flicker (a kind of woodpecker) is usually here. Every now and then a lapwing will appear. But this year many of the trees have been cut down so we shall see who comes now.

The days yes are slowly getting longer and the sun is stronger and brighter - a welcome relief from a cold Winter. They say it is the coldest Winter in ten years and I am inclined to agree. Even my Winter blooming Mediterranean heather did not bloom this year until March whereas in past years it bloomed above the snow covered ground all season long. No crocus even, no signs of possible daffodils. The only daffodils present are the ones on my Tiffany wall hanging in the living room - full of color and beauty.

So here we are approaching Spring. This blog is meant to be more about natural living and being in rhythm with the seasons and nature. Originally I included a great deal of Chinese medicine, but those detailed accounts can be found in the earlier posts from the years passed. I do make mention, but really it's about being in tune with the natural world around us. A joy to get out and walk and do work in the garden - although there's still a bit of a chill in the air.

And yes, Spring is the time for cleansing. All the toxins that have gathered in the Winter - being indoors and somewhat inactive - will start coming out. Our diet switches to more vegetables and fruits and salads rather than the heavier warming diet of the Winter. The liver of course is part of how we detox, and is one of the organs for Spring, as well as the gall bladder. The element of Wood goes with Spring as well, making me think of the trees that are getting ready to bloom.

The taste that goes with Spring is sour, which makes me think of vinegar, tangy and cleansing, and useful in salads. The color of course is green - for everything turns green now with new growth - and we too must follow suit for new beginnings. The climate is the Wind and certainly so far March has been a very windy month. But even the Wind has cleansing qualities - blowing the impurities and pollution away and leading to clear skies.

And of course no matter what the season it is the transitions that can be stressful on us both physically and psychologically. So as always we need to be kind to ourselves. I am looking forward to the coming days of walks along the ocean on the south shore and journeys to the Catskills to walk on the trails and visiting family and friends.

I hope that you all can do the things that make you feel well. Enjoy this time of new growth!

Maery

                                                    Waiting for Spring