Clearly, summer is
characterized by heat. Under its
effects, the body functions better in general, as everything is more open and
circulates better.
Be cautious to
avoid restlessness and excessive movement, they result in a hyperactive and
overheated system.
If we are peaceful
and calm, summer will benefit us. If we
are upset and overworked, it will be harmful.
Openness and Communion With Nature
Summer is the time
where we don’t have to protect ourselves from the cold. However we must still protect ourselves from
the sun because too much exposure harms the skin (skin cancers are caused by
repetitive and excessive sun exposure).
“In summer, take
care to regulate activities and limit strong emotions.”
Summer is a
special time in the year during which we can spend time in nature with a
minimum of clothing, almost none at all.
Strolls in nature, where we are lightly dressed in simple apparel, allow
us to feel the forces of the earth. We
feel more in harmony with nature, and have a greater sense of belonging.
Take care of Fatigue
An excess of heat
makes energy rise up, into our heads. We
can feel easily overwhelmed by our enthusiasm, and at risk of ‘spreading
ourselves too thin’. This tendency
towards dispersion can dissolve our vitality, leaving us feeling fatigued.
To avoid this
fatigue, we must treat summer heat with respect and make efforts to regulate
our temperature during this period.
We must conduct
ourselves similarly with regard to the emotions and the internal heat they can
generate. The heat will feel oppressive
if we are worked up or bothered by strong emotions.
“A good diet, the
right breathing exercises,
and a moderate level of physical activity will allow
us to best cope with the heat of summer.”
In summer, we must
take care of our heart and circulatory system.
We can fast for a few days, or stop drinking for a few hours, hold our
breath for a few minutes…but we cannot stop the beating of our heart.
The heat is not an
ally for our hearts, for it oppresses and fatigues.
Summer is the
period when our cardiovascular functions are most stressed and our circulatory
system is most stimulated by environmental heat.
We must ‘tidy’ up
our heart, be selective in our efforts and not tire the body out for no reason.
Caution –
inactivity and apathy wear on the heart just as much as over activity.
Take Care of Your Heart!
In summer, when we
are at rest, the heat allows our circulating blood to be more fluid and flow
easier, because all the blood vessels are more dilated.
However, if we are
too worked up, there is too much pressure on this system, leading to
over-exhaustion, especially for the heart.
We must be active
but not overly so. If we have plans to
carry out made in the spring, we must not allow ourselves to get sidetracked by
tiring distractions. We do what we have
committed to, without adding fluff to it.
We often have
trouble feeling alive, and often need to be busy enough to avoid boredom.
Enthusiasm can
lead us to undertaking too many things because of the illusion we have that
putting the pedal to the metal is how to live fully.
When we are
engaging in physical activity, we must hydrate much more than often, and eating
lighter than usual.
Blockages and Heaviness
If we are not in
good shape, summer heat leaves us with blockages and heaviness inside. These are the result of all the physical
tensions and inactivity that accumulate over the year. This heaviness, the blockages and tiredness
paralyze us and must be dissolved; summer is the perfect time to eliminate them
with a daily practice.
In order to
circulate what is stagnant - whether it be the blood, the energy, or the breath
– one must practice simple activities, such as taking a walk three or four
times a day, swimming regularly, or going for a jog at an easy pace.
In a week or two,
the chosen moderate physical activity will help with restoring good health, as
it aligns with the rhythm of the season.
Gaining without disturbing
“Summer: the
season where one takes their time. Fall:
the season for man and nature to travel together. Winter: the season where we count the
days. Spring: the season of illusions;
nature is rejuvenated and we believe the same happens to us.” Aristotle
This is the
paradox of summer: we must do without overdoing. The balance is tricky to grasp for those who
are not in tune with the energy of the seasons.
The strength of
summer is such that we only have to channel the enthusiasm and natural energy
of the season to realize our goals, rather than getting all worked up.
In order to do
this, we must have already made concrete plans in the spring in order to follow
them through clearly in the summer.
One of the secrets
for acting well here is to understand the balance between work and rest. This truth applies to the entire year, but it
is most important during the hot months where the body is already feeling
excess.
Take advantage of the heat, but at a slower pace
The heat has an
automatic effect on the circulation.
Take advantage on the proper functioning of our systems by not overdoing
it.
Avoid bustling
about all day. Rather, do the minimum
essential. Engage in light physical
activity, eat lightly and stay protected from the heat.
Summer is also the
time for holidays, where relaxation reigns.
We take advantage
of the heat by letting our bodies unwind a bit.
Accepting to do
nothing is not easy, as most of us feel extreme guilt whenever we are inactive.
We often feel the
need to define ourselves by our activity or how much we bustle about…
Doing a lot gives
the impression of being, and it satisfied the ego and mind. However, it is also possible to just take
life as it comes, watching it go by.
This is not an
excuse for laziness, rather an appeal to just being without the need to hustle.
Rediscovering the ‘Simple’
Summer allows us
to feel the joy for life and of having a body more easily. We are more aware of our perceptions.
The natural
relaxation that accompanies summer allows us to contemplate the world around
us, to accept life and commit to living simply.
It is a great thing
to have access to our senses of breathing, watching, living.
“Summer is a good
time to contemplate the joy of being alive.”
