Mid-Summer Stillness

Hello!

Happy Monday!

I hope you don’t mind that I took a couple of weeks off from sharing this newsletter with you. It’s all part of that #slowdownsummer vibe. Although, most of my days have felt far from slow. It seems like each year there are more things to do, more places to go, more “fun” to be had, especially as my children get older and they bring their own agenda to the table.

I finally noticed the other day how absent-minded I’ve felt lately. Perhaps there’s a part of me that doesn’t mind it so much. The temperatures are high and the days are long and it feels ok to just go with the flow. But when the flow feels fast and pulled in so many directions, I’m reminded even more of the importance of being mindful and steadying myself with a clear mind, an open heart, and a grounded presence. And I’m realizing that may require a little bit more than drifting off into the sunset.

I’m also reminded that this is typical of the summer season, and not just in these modern times where there is an endless supply of stimulation. Even the people of ancient China were aware of the shift in energy this season brings. In the 5 Element Theory of Chinese Medicine we know the season of summer to be Yang - the full expression of excess, of fire, of light. The organ we associate with this season is the heart. This makes sense because biologically it’s the organ that’s continuously working to fill us with life. But energetically this organ also houses our spirit and when it experiences too much excitement, even in the form of joy, it has the tendency to scatter, making it difficult to house our spirit and our emotions. It’s no wonder too much activity can leave us feeling even more restless or anxious, even causing insomnia, which in turn can cause us to feel even more drained and “out of it.”

So today, let’s reset. We’re more than half way through July. August is coming and before we know it we’ll be starting the transition through late-summer and fall. Let’s give ourselves the ability to travel more smoothly through the rest of what lies ahead. Let’s steady our hearts, our minds, and our spirits. We can do this with meditation. With good fresh foods. With alternative therapies like acupuncture and qi gong. Even an evening walk alone without headphones or distractions can bring your energy back to center. And if you can’t find the time for any of these things, how about just a few steady breaths.

Pause for a moment.

Feel yourself within your body.

Bring your attention to your heart center.

Notice the chest as it expands and softens with each breath.

Follow it like you would the waves.

In and out.

Steady and constant.

Give yourself permission to just observe.

See the thoughts and sensations as clouds drifting through the sky.

Resist the urge to be doing.

Embrace a moment to just be.

And perhaps, next time you’re out and about, caught up in the fast pace of the rest of the world, you’ll see if you can mindfully bring yourself back to this place of just being. Resisting the urge to seek out a conversation or stimulating activity. Giving yourself permission to exist just as things are for you in that moment, no matter where you are. Trust me, no one will even notice what you’re doing. They’ll be too busy navigating their own existence, which is as it should be. And when you’re ready, you can begin again, hopefully more grounded and aware, fully housing your spirit and intentions.

And if you feel open to it, share the story of this experience. One of the best ways to grow is listening to the stories from others. Let’s continue to inspire and support that growth together!

I hope you have a beautiful week.

Be well.

And bye for now.