This year of 2018 has been intense! An ’11’ year (2+0+1+8) – it has been a year of shaking things up, deep transformation and bringing us back to what is truly important in this life. Many of us have been deeply challenged this year, broken apart and reconstructed in a very different form. For me, and many others I know, this has been a year of navigating deep challenges, honouring the lessons learned and valuing the moments of peace in between. We are all changed from the events of 2018 – personally and globally.
Tomorrow’s Summer Solstice (in the Southern Hemisphere) signifies the longest day and the shortest night of the year. It is mid-summer. Summer is a time of high energy & activity – there is a buzz around us as we delight in the long & warm summer nights. It is the yang expression of the seasons when we tend to being social, open & active. We celebrate, we dance, we laugh!
To be in tune with the summer months we open our hearts, minds and bodies to the warmth and freedom that surrounds us. Showing & feeling gratitude for the lessons we’ve learned in this cycle and letting go of anything that no longer serves us. Burning the remnance to nourish & unburden us.
Align your schedule with the Sun
The days are much longer in summer giving us an opportunity to either stay up later or wake up earlier. Ayurveda advocates going to sleep later in the evening (around 10 or 11pm) to take advantage of the extended daylight and to allow the temperature to cool off for more comfortable sleeping conditions. On the other hand, if you decide to rise with the sun, you may choose to go to sleep earlier (around 9 or so) so you can wake up earlier and start your yoga practice.
Take an afternoon rest
The idea of the “Spanish siesta” – a midday rest or nap that’s typically taken during the heat of the day – makes plenty of sense in our warmer months. As the heat continues to build up past the noon hour, the hottest time of the day usually hits around 3pm which a perfect time to give our bodies a rest. By squeezing in an afternoon nap, you are recognising and honouring the power of the sun at its daily peak.
Practice simple sun salutations at dawn (or dusk)
If you choose to rise with the sun, this is the perfect opportunity for you to start your day with several yoga sun salutations since they are best done in the early morning hours on an empty stomach. The sequence of poses that make up the sun salutation are meant to be practiced in the direction of the sun while cultivating gratitude, awe, and respect for it. Start your practice with 8 to 12 sun salutations in the morning at sunrise (or even at dusk during the sunset)
Dance, sing & celebrate
In the warmth of summer we often find postivity and hope flow more easily. Finding ways to move our body & to share with others helps to nourish our souls and celebrate our triumphs and achievements throughout the year. If the year has been tough and taken all your inner resources – lay out in the sun and let it restore and heal you. Ask yourself what are you grateful for? What have you learned? How have you grown?
I hope you allow yourself the freedom to dance and be free this Summer Solstice – let go of control, celebrate, release.
With love & blessings,
Sharna
xo.
SUMMER PATTERNS
With Summer comes the season for action & energy …
Element: Fire
Organs: Heart/Small Intestine/Pericardium/Triple Heater (metabolism)
Emotion: Joy
Colour: Red
Sense-organ: Mouth
Taste: Bitter
Sound: Laughing
Cultivation: Growth
Common problems: fever, profuse sweating, vomiting, weakness, shortness of breath, wheezing, diarrhea, bloating, irritability, inflammation, headaches
Recommended: watermelon, lemon, apple, pineapple, summer squash, zucchini, alfalfa, spinach & cucumber
Avoid hot, spicy, greasy or overly oily foods, also avoid over consumption of stimulants like coffee, alcohol or sugars (not that easy at Christmas: time!)