The Fury of Nature

Stormy skies

Hurricanes in the Atlantic,
Earthquakes in Italy,
Floods in New Orleans

   Here on the East Coast of the U.S., we have just been spared from Hurricane Hermine, which thankfully has been downgraded to a Tropical Storm. We will still experience some wind and rain and rip tides and flooding and erosion, but not to the extent it could have been.
   I have recently spoken and written about how we were experiencing some drought, with very little or  no rain, and how hurricanes usually follow a drought period. Also it has been 4 years since Hurricane Sandy hit here, and 11 years since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005.
   Both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans seem very active right now, with multiple storms in a procession, one after the other. And the hurricane season does not officially end until November 30th, so we could still experience more storms. Although in the Pacific and Indian Oceans the storms are referred to as cyclones or typhoons.
   But I thought about the fury of nature, and despite all of our modern technology and evolution, we are still subject to nature. We need to live and dress according to the season and temperature, and take an umbrella when needed, and to shovel snow or melt ice, and be wary of storms. We think we are the masters of our own universe, but Mother Nature still has the power to humble us and remind us who we are. I hope this does not mean that someday society will make us live in temperature controlled glass domes, for then it seems we would no longer be human.
   For me, I think the key is to always respect nature, and as I have often said, try to live within the cycles of nature. The seasons, the months, days and nights, cycles of the Moon, movement of planets and the existence of stars and other galaxies, the flora, the fauna and people like ourselves. It is all part of being human.
   The winds are picking up now, but the Sun is still shining. Animals seem to scurry for cover, the ospreys have already gathered fish for their nests in the trees. Where do birds go in storms? Hiding for cover in trees? Rabbits burrow underground. Fish go deeper into the sea?

The angry sea

   I remember Hurricane Donna in the 1960's, and Hurricane Gloria, and Hurricane Sandy. For Donna, the tide came right up to our driveway, but did not damage the little house built into the hill. My grandmother wanted to stay in the house alone in the storm. I will never understand why she wanted to do that. Maybe it made her feel close to nature. I don't know.
   By the time Gloria came, my parents had a power generator, so I went to stay with them. The storm raged on and on, and we had a few lights and the refrigerator to keep my grandmother's insulin cold. We went out the next day to get more food and were amazed at the piles of trees along the way that looked like match sticks lying on the ground. We went to a deli to beg for a chunk of bologna for my grandmother to have some protein, but the man would not sell it to us because he couldn't figure out what it would really cost. I was stunned.
   Hurricane Sandy was 4 years ago, but some families still don't have their houses rebuilt yet and many have been demolished. No power or heat for 14 days. No gasoline. And once Sandy left us in her wake, it was very cold, and it snowed a day later. It was Halloween when it snowed, and the children in the neighborhood never went out for their candy, because there was no power and no candy.
   But I was lucky because up here on the cliffs there was no water damage, just the wind. The roof peeled like an onion and I had a blue tarp on my roof for 6 months, but many people lost their entire homes, and their oil tanks in their basements floated down the street. Water, fire, floods, wind. Devastation.

   I remember during the height of the storm I had only 1 station on my little battery operated radio. It was broadcasting in Staten Island. And the announcer said oh no, here comes the high tide, and Staten Island was swamped. Shortly after, the wind seemed to dissipate. The house had been shaking for about 5 hours. In the  morning, when it was finally light, a neighbor came and knocked on my door and said don't worry I will remove your fallen tree for you. There was debris everywhere. Two fences torn down, and another tree. The wind had whipped through the back yard like a wind tunnel. Many neighborhoods looked like multiple tornadoes had gone through.
   But still this is nothing in comparison to what some people have gone through. In the Midwest tornadoes are a regular occurrence. And what about the recent earthquake in Italy?
   My sister travels to Italy quite regularly, but to the town of Torino. She knows better than me the land and the people and the skies and the Mediterranean Sea. I went to Italy only once, while we were in Nice, my family and I took the train to Ventimiglia to a market, and we had lunch.
   So no I do not know Italy so well, but can still have concern for those who suffered from the recent earthquake in central Italy. I did not know until now that the Apennines in central Italy is an active zone for seismic activity, and there have been many earthquakes. And there were over 1800 aftershocks that were felt as far as Rome, Florence and Bologna. They were medieval towns, so how many lives were lost in those ancient buildings that can never really be replaced? And what about the little dog, who was saved 9 days after the earthquake? In the midst of devastation, can miracles still occur?
   And why do people live in active zones. Is is because they have always lived there for generations and generations? Why did people first settle here? Was there something about the land, the  mountains, maybe even the energy in the land, as it is active geologically.
   It is curious, because I ask myself why I live where I do, and it is embaressing to think it is mostly because I was born in this area. I did travel to some places, but for now this is my home base. So why do people live where they live? And why do some people move, even across continents or oceans? What are they seeking? A new life, a new place, a new adventure, or do they simply want to leave their past behind.
   And lastly, New Orleans. Epic floods, people losing their homes, streets filled with water so that boats are needed. It is a very low country, and flat, and close to the sea. It is ironic perhaps that New Orleans was hit by Hurricane Katrina 11 years ago. Another cycle of water and destruction. It makes you think. It makes you appreciate and value what you have.
   I remember the week of Hurricane Katrina. I was at a family reunion is South Carolina, and driving my little car afterwards to Florida, while Katrina was making its initial cross over South Florida. It went into the Gulf of Mexico and proceeded to gain strength until it became the epic storm that ravaged New Orleans and other states like Alabama and Mississippi. We did not know it would be like this, perhaps we were too complacent. So Mother Nature teaches us never to underestimate the power of nature.
   Wishing you all a safe year and years to come.

Maery

Harvest and earth

Living a Natural Life

Changing with the Seasons - Late Summer

   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.
   And also 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.
   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 a new cycle begins.

Be wll,
Maery

My little wild rabbit enjoying the feast of clover

   

Edgar Degas Comes to New York!

Well, not Edgar Degas himself of course, but a compilation of his works at a special exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. What does art have to do with Natural Living? Quite a bit because what many famous artists over the years were able to connect to whether it be nature or spirituality or religion or ideas, perceptions - it is still a unique expression of the world around us - one that is aesthetic rather than commercial - for most artists are either poor or starving and try to create something more original than just what a machine or computer can do. It can be any medium whether it is sculpture or paint or pottery or photography or glass or stained glass or writing or music.

   In art history, different groups or movements, whether it be Realism, Romanticism, Impressionism, Art Nouveau, Pointilism, Modernism, Abstract and so on, are expressions. How the aspects of light, color, texture, form and mediums like paint, charcoal, pastels and monographs are handled, as well as subject matter. Some artists in Paris painted what they thought was real life and catching grim wisps of peasant or street life. And in groupings where they discussed art or argued about principles of art and power struggles to be noticed and accepted, meanwhile the art itself was wanting to be born in expression.
   This also goes for music as an art form, and can't we all appreciate a good piece of music - and didn't our mothers' lullabies rock us to sleep?
   Experiencing art, light, color - I feel these are natural things that nourish the body, mind, soul and spirit.
   So yes, an exhibit of the works of Edgar Degas. I drove to the City on a summer Sunday morning, striving to be at the doors of the museum when it opened, and yet the line was already out the door. I was taken on a magical, mysterious tour of a collection from around the world, and doubt there will ever be another one like it.
   Edgar Degas did not consider himself to be an Impressionist and by good fortune he came from a wealthy family, so he was able to paint art for the sake of art and not necessarily the critics.
   I learned that Edgar Degas was about  more than just painting ballerinas, for which he was famous, and cafe singers, washer women and prostitutes, but he was really painting Paris. But also during his time was the strong influence of the introduction of photography, and the use of printing to make monographs as an art form as well.
   With the Industrial Revolution, people were seeking balance between the natural world and the  mechanical world, not so different from now when we spend our days on computers and phones and televisions. Whereas some artists were concerned with light during this time in history, and throughout history as well in different degrees and techniques, Degas' passion was capturing movement in such a way that figures still appeared to be moving - so real or surreal that you expect the characters to move as if in a film, yet some figures appear to be stern or stoic. Others give just a hint of movement which is enough to suggest movement and power. All of this of course was experimental.
   While viewing these works in this exhibit, it was clear to see that Degas' did many movement studies, and sketched certain subjects over and over again. He pursued his own ideas. Originally he went to the Louvre and copied Renaissance paintings, and throughout his years of painting he struggled to reconcile the old traditions with the new - which was quite a challenge and something that faced all the artists of his time.
   Degas experimented with modern techniques by using the "monotype" process - which is to drawn in ink on a metal plate which was then run through a press and produced a print. After the single print was produced Degas would rework and revise with color and it allowed him to try to experiment and create. He produced at least 300 monotypes.
   And although Degas did meet with Impressionists and was friends or acquaintances or enemies of many artists of the times, and although he organized many Impressionist exhibits, he still considered himself to be a realist.
   But no matter what he did, Degas and other artists throughout history give us the gifts of their creativity and expression that comes from within a creative process and not something manufactured by a machine or an assembly line.
   I felt very inspired when I left the museum. However, it was pouring rain by then. I had bought some books in the bookstore and didn't want them to get ruined. Although the bag was water "resistant" I couldn't be sure in the downpour. I waited awhile for it to let up, but it didn't really. I did have an umbrella and rain jacket and waterproof shoes, so I tucked my bag inside my jacket and headed out into the storm.
   There were puddles everywhere that had flowed into small streams. It was dark and grey, nothing like the idyllic summer day you would imagine. Everything was wet from buildings to cars to streets and sidewalks and windows. So I rushed through the streets, passing by Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick's Cathedral, and small streams of people of all ages, sizes and colorful clothing, a sense of movement like a tide in the streets, together with cars and taxies flowing at their own frenetic pace. And yet it still had an order to it. Stop lights would cease the flow of cars, and yet allow streams and lines of people to cross.
   It wasn't long before I found my parking garage and went into the flow of the streets, then down through the tunnel and headed towards home. The trip itself was an expression of life, and me within that life. This is natural living, to be alive, and to experience and feel and appreciate life.

Enjoy,
Maery

Memories of Nice  ..... Let the Healing Begin

   I've been to Nice only once, with the family one summer years ago. As one of

Resting on a rock in Nice, above the city

my favorite places, I began wondering what is it about a place or places that attract us to it? Is it the energy of the land, is it because you were born in a particular place and raised there?
   It is hard to pinpoint exactly what makes each country or nation different, other than the obvious physical things like climate, topography, the people, the customs, the food. Surely that is part of it. But then why do other places make us feel uncomfortable?
   I am also writing this because recently there was a very terrible incident there that took the lives of many innocent men, women and children. So perhaps in remembering the good memories I had there, plus this mystery of why some lands are more attractive than others may help to restore some peace and healing to a place that has been wounded.
   I remember coming on the plane, after having some minor injuries, so I was in some pain and uncomfortable on the flight over. I rarely sleep on transatlantic flights, so I was happy to see the dawn as we drew nearer. Just looking at the crystal blue waters, I felt as though I had been transported to another world. After landing the glare of the sun was so bright it took awhile to adjust. There it is again, that supreme quality of light in the South of France. It is so bright and crystal clear and pure, like it is transparent, yet at the same time has a kind of golden glow to it. You could not capture it, and most likely none of the artists who have tried to work with the light have never really captured its true essence.

Family time at the villa reading

   Riding through the town, it was a hub of activity, of people moving around, walking, going to cafes and shops, and then the promenade along the waterfront. And still more people, as it was the height of summertime. It was almost too much to take in all at once, for the senses were filled and overflowing.
   We made our way up into the hills, way above the city, to a villa of a family friend where we were staying for awhile. Even the streets had their own kind of charm, winding and turning ever upward into the hills, with the scenery becoming more rugged and rural, tall grasses and trees and dusty dirt clinging to the ground, swirling sometimes as we drove by.

My nephew by the fig tree in the yard

   It was very comfortable at the villa, which was white, and the sunlight sometimes seemed to make it glow. From there you could see the city below, the sky and the sea, but it was hard to tell if the Azure Coast was named for the color of the sky or the sea or both. Every day there were different colors and hues of deepest blue, with touches of pink in the magnificent sunsets.
   We didn't venture very far, but sat outside in the glorious sunlight reading or resting, and having outdoor cook outs in the evenings with the fresh food from the market place. 
   Although I had some discomfort and was very stiff, and I had forgotten to pack my herbs, it seemed the place itself was one of healing between the air, the light, the colors, who knows what it was? A place that was timeless but also a sense of being ancient.

Me at Cimiez

   So who knows what makes us each find different places that we are attracted to. I know for example I usually have trouble in Germany, it is a very strong and vibrant place, but perhaps too intense for me. Even New York can sometimes be harsh, with its granite base. Some mountains can be hard and sharp and rocky, while the Catskills of New York are very soft and round in nature it seems.

Mom at Cimiez

   So this bears more investigation, as connecting to one's homeland is indeed a part of natural living, because you are connecting to the land and the whole earth. All too often we forget about nature and living a natural life, so tied up in our work and our technological toys of phones, ipads, and drones. So it causes more questions, as to what places may make you feel well, while others not so well.

   We cannot turn back time, but we can preserve what we have and what we love as best we can. 

Wishing you well,
Maery

Tranquility

Summer Drought

   We are finally into the hottest days of our summer here in the Northeast. Yet many of us do not realize that it has been quite dry since the Spring, even though we seem to have had many stormy days. Now that the heat has finally kicked, and the lack of rain, there is evidence of vegetation burning up, animals searching for water. I find the wild rabbits sitting on the cool grass of the front lawn in the shade, birds searching for water.
   Currently in the New York area here, we are about 3 inches below what our normal rainfall is. We had only one big snowstorm this year, as compared to many storms over the last few years.

Very little water

   Now someone once told me, that when you have a lack of rain, and when things heat up, it is often followed by a storm such as a hurricane. This Fall, at the end of September, it will be exactly 4 years since the devastating

Hurricane Sandy struck the Northeast. Does history repeat itself? Are the conditions right for another strong hurricane system?
   Hurricane season starts on June 1, and ends on November 1. Things are usually very active around the end of August. So we shall see. We did have a mild winter, and when the waters of the Gulf Stream are very warm, it makes conditions favorable for storms.
   About a month ago, I visited my family in Florida. My sister in law wanted to take me out in their boat, but after we launched, we saw all these dark clouds. Knowing the severity of storms coming off the Gulf of Mexico, I was anxious to get back to shore. After I left and went home, there were reports of mini tornadoes in the area, so it is good we went ashore!

   Of course it is interesting information to learn about storms and weather patterns and phenomena of nature, but really my point is that when you learn to know these signs, and know about weather conditions and things that can be potentially dangerous, you are once again actively living a natural life. You are more attuned to what is going on around you and in nature.
   Another example of the drought was the journey up to the mountains last weekend. Because of the lack of rain, things were very, very dry, and there had been some forest fires as a result, which was very sad. I went to the local waterfall where I like to sit and read, but the water was barely a trickle as opposed to the rushing waters of Springtime. Often in Summer the water flow is less, but this is the worst I have seen in the ten years I have been visiting this state park.

On the mountain

   And in other parts of the country, like Texas, there have been massive floods, and in California and Arizona, more wildfires. And in Paris, unusual floods caused much destruction and there was fear that the art in the Louvre would be damaged. When I was in Paris years ago and walking to the Louvre every day, I never imagined it would be in danger of flooding.
   So different scenarios and situations for different places around the world, but it makes me think again about the balances of things. Too much water in some places, and not enough in others. It seems the planet is out of balance, and yet nature always seems to rebalance itself somehow.

Wishing balance to one and all

Maery

Here Comes The Sun.....   Being Cautious Outdoors in the Elements

   Well, Summer is officially here, and the Sun is strong and bright, and hot. It is a welcome change after Winter, and a somewhat cold Spring here in the U.S.  During the month of May it was even necessary to turn the heat on a few times, which is most unusual weather for us.

   So now the Sun is here, and the days are getting progressively hotter, and it finds us spending more time outdoors, whether it is just walking, sitting outside in the yard, or engaging in sports, or spending time by our oceans, bays, lakes or rivers. It is a part of being connected to nature, and sometimes it is easier in Summer than in Winter when there is extreme cold or snow, unless you enjoy winter sports.
   In northern climates, ancient peoples would worship the Sun, while is southern climates or hot climates, ancient peoples would worship water.
   The Sun is the source of life and growth. Without it vegetation could not live, nor would there be life without the warmth of the Sun. And yet it can be a double edged sword, for example, like the rose has its thorns, too much exposure to the Sun can be harmful. As in everything, there needs to be a balance.

   So it is important to be careful of how much exposure your skin gets to the Sun, and it is important to wear sunblock. With so many choices out there, how do you choose? And which products are more natural, and which are possibly more toxic?

   I am always reading about the differences in sunblocks online. Most commercial sunblocks contain not only chemicals for blocking the sun, but have additives like parabens. Unfortunately parabens are toxic. In women, additives like parabens or chemicals can combine with estrogen and make a woman's estrogen levels too high, and is thought to possibly be a link to breast and other cancers. So read labels, do your research, and try for organic sunblock found either online or in health food stores. The least harmful blocks for the sun seem to be titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. I do not believe there have been any studies done on the effects of these ingredients, but they are certainly better than some of the products out there. 

   The minimum sunblock protection should be an SPF of 15, but SPF 30 is what is recommended. And your sunblock should protect you from both UVA and UVB rays from the Sun. Be advised as well that even on cloudy days you can get a burn, so wearing sunblock is essential for daily use. I have found certain brands to be less effective than others, and sure enough when I researched them online, many people had the same conclusion. If you are still getting burned even with sunblock, check your sunblock and change it. Read the reviews of people who have used the products out there on the market, both the positive and negative.

   As well, hats, clothing and umbrellas can reduce extreme exposure. There is clothing available now that blocks the sun's rays. More and more I see children wearing shorts and long sleeve shirts in the water which is a great protection.

   In general, clothing provides an SPF of about 6, so you might want to put sunblock on under clothes before leaving the house.

   Of course the hours when the Sun is strongest is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Most days I take my walks early in the morning, and if I go to the beach I am usually home early. And if I do gardening or yard work I wear a hat. Sunglasses to are important to protect your eyes.

   I love nothing more than to be in the great outdoors and enjoy the summer and all it has to offer, but I am still cautious. I worked in the field of Dermatology for many years and have heard all the precautions, and heard about and seen patients with melanoma and less serious skin cancers.

   And it doesn't matter if you live in a northern climate. Recently a young girl of 18 passed away from melanoma and she lived in England. Her mother always made her children wear sunblock when they were away on vacation in sunnier climates, but not at home. And it does not matter if you have fair skin, or darker skin, everyone has the potential for skin cancer.

   As much as I love the outdoors, I respect nature including the strength of the Sun. As well as storms and high winds. We tend to think we are invincible, but even we must obey Mother Nature! 

   Be careful when boating, and follow the rules and regulations of the water, and always wear a life jacket as well. Last night there was a forecast for severe thunderstorms, yet some men went out on a boat at 8 p.m., just when it was getting dark, and the storms were already swirling around nearby. Their boat reportedly lost power, and they were rescued by the Marine Police Unit who happened to spot their boat on radar. The question is, why would you venture out on to deep waters if there were dark clouds and thunderstorms predicted?

   Also when boating or hiking, make sure people know where you are going and always have a cell phone with you. Stay on marked trails. Bring pepper spray for possible bears, especially in late Spring and Summer when mother bears are protective of their young. Wear natural insect repellents for mosquitoes and ticks if they have them in your area.

   Summer is all too short. I try to be outdoors as much as possible, even at night when the weather allows. Money cannot buy the simple pleasures of a sunrise or sunset, or a blanket of stars in the night sky. Some day I would love to see the Northern Lights. Nature's firework's display!

   But in all things, and all adventures we still need to be practical so we can be safe.

Hoping you will be well and safe

Maery

The Summer Season

Summer Bathing

   We ease from one season to the next. Summer is almost here, officially on the Summer solstice on June 21^st. 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 whoch 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 tis 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.

   Stay cool! Until our next season called Late Summer.

Be Well

Maery