The Heart Fire of the Summer Solstice

The fire energy has entered. The long awaited Summer Solstice just last week brought with it a quickened force of momentum into the new that will unfold over the course of the next cycle of time as we live closer to the great Sun’s vital energy. This energy is moving from potential energy, as we sit with in the Winter and Spring seasons, into a kismet energy and force that allows for change, growth, expansion, creation and renewal to come forth swiftly.

If your anything like me, you’ve felt this heightened energy internally. In fact, I have noticed myself consistently returning to hand over heart trying to ground myself in the here and now as it all takes over. Some of us may not be properly prepared for or feeling overwhelmed by the fire that burns bright in this space. And if your one of them, I am here with you.

In the teachings of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the summer season is represented and lives in correlation with the color red, the heart organ, and the fiery passion that follows suit. It also brings about heat, momentum and activation. So lot’s of energy moving, shaking free, sparking. And with the Cancer new moon that just came to be only days ago, our emotional state may be intensified at this time. Hence the need for grounding and a soothing touch on our nervous systems ablaze.

Below you will find some gentle offerings and principles that will allow you to enjoy the great summer energy while staying grounded and settled in your physical, mental and emotional bodies.

Opposites create balance.

Here in this space we can utilize the gifts of the elements to soothe any irritation or overstimulation that may occur. Lean into the water energy to soothe the fire that burns both within and externally. So many are drawn to the water during the warm seasons. And this is for good reason. Our intuitive knowing brings us back to that which will quench our thirst and soothe any overactive nerves. Both staying well hydrated (both with enough water and mineral balance) as well as indulging in the delights of the ocean or fresh body of water during this season will keep the body in harmony while peak heat rolls through. The water element also reminds us to keep in flow and let things move with ease through a time of great acceleration and activity. It serves as a refreshing reminder to come back to gentle and fluid motion.

Ground yourself in communion with the earth.

If y0u’ve ever witnessed a dog seeking solace from the heat, you’ll recall their tendency to dig into the earth, whether it be sand or soil, to create the perfect resting place to reset. They know in their bones that the earth can ground, soothe and help them to recalibrate their energy. This is also true for us. So if your seeking to bring your body temperature down, hide from the sun’s exposure, or settle the stirring energy within your body at this time, look to the earth to bring ease with her cooling down nature. You can physically ground through your bare feet, sink your hands into the soil while doing some gardening, play in the cool sand beneath the surface or simply lay on the grass. You’ll also be accessing the earth’s frequency that restores balance to the negative and positively charged ions that flow freely within your cells and can be exacerbated by excess heat. At the end of the day, being outside connecting to the natural world will help keep balance during this season. We are called to be outside!

Eat cooling foods and herbs.

There are many beautifully nourishing foods, herbs and spices that can assist us in creating balance during the time of heat rising as we seek to live our days closer to the sun. We can use food as medicine as a tool to assist in replenishing and restoring our energy reserves and quenching our own inner climates. Turning to foods with specific cooling energetic qualities that Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda teachings have referred to for thousands of years, we can create balance and harmony as we explore the solstice’s potent energy.

Opt for cucumbers, fresh dill, cilantro, melons, apples and berries. Leafy greens and fresh lettuces, mint, and seaweed are all potent allies in this time. Think foods rich with water (there’s that water energy we are calling in). Cooling teas such as chrysanthemum, chamomile, lemon balm and rose are helpful in restoring balance. And if you are choosing to eat animal proteins, fish, seafood and poultry are going to be considered cooling protein sources.

And as always, if you want to consume warming foods, just balance them out with foods of opposite energetics. If your eating hot sauces and peppers, add some cooling cilantro or freshly pickled cucumber. If your consuming a rich hot cacao, add some cardamom to create complexity of flavor and ease any heat that may rise in the belly.

Come back to your breath.

When all else fails, return to your breath. Breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth can create a cooling effect in the body, helping to release built up energy. And the adverse is true for breath in and out of the nostrils. Utilize this breath to build energy and heat in the body. These practices can be used in tandem to revitalize the body and mind when you need a quick refresh or energy boost. And as always, the breath is your home. It serves as a way to recenter, realign and come back into your body when life can feel extremely external and going in many directions. Harness the power of the breath and you will have a great resource to draw upon for the rest of your life.

I hope these tools serve you as you embark on a summer of adventure, creation and the great outdoors. Our innate wisdom guides us to these wild places while guiding us in navigating through them with ease. If we have and create the capacity to listen, we can enjoy all the seasons in their fullness and ripeness.

In gratitude, presence, practice and surrender.