How to Synchronise with the Seasons - Summer Solstice

Today the Summer Solstice on 21st June marks the longest day of the year, the sun is at it's highest point. Energy is at its peak, it is an active time of transformation, abundance, clarity and creativity; a turning point of warmth, growth, vitality symbolising transition.

The meaning of the word solstice is to stand still. It is a golden pause to reflect ahead of the Autumn Equinox and celebrate ourselves and where we are. Summer invites us to connect with the energy within and around us to radiate joy with gratitude.

Our health is connected to the natural cycles of the seasons which influences our body, mind and soul. Within us we have a vital Life Force referred to as Qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is the energy that flows through us and circulates our bodies pathways known as meridians which link to key organs.

A Yang season, the element of Summer is Fire. It is linked to the Heart our engine and compass; home to our consciousness and emotions; it is our inner sun and guiding light. Our heart beats around 100,000 times a day and performs circulation vital to life. It brings joy, love and warmth but if unbalanced it can lead to overwhelm, stress, fear and anxiety. Paired with the Small Intestine which is linked to inner clarity, functionally it filters and absorbs 90% of our nutrients in digestion and expels what is not needed. Dysfunction can cloud judgement and focus.

We are what we eat which also affects how we think and feel. For balance we need harmony, our bodies are ecosystems and thrive when all parts are nourished. The taste and flavour of the Summer season is bitter; these foods aid digestion and support detoxing such as watercress and rocket best eaten at the beginning of meals. Light, cooling and hydrating foods such as cucumber, watermelon, mint and green tea calm excess heat avoid excessive spicy, greasy and fried foods which can disrupt balance.

The Summer Solstice is celebrated in yoga with the practice of 108 Sun Salutations in Sanskrit known as "Surya Namaskar". This stems from the significance of the number 108 in spiritual and yogic practices, symbolizing wholeness and the connection between the inner and outer cosmos. The practice is a physically and mentally demanding way to connect with the energy of the solstice and is often done at sunrise to greet the sun. 

Summer is a time to harness our energy, the more we notice it the more it grows and glows. 

As we shine we must also rest and replenish for balance. Enjoy your transformation this summer!

8 Everyday Tips to Nurture and Balance your Summer Fire

 1. Wake up early and get outdoors and get natural light throughout the day

the best source of Vitamin D is from the sun take some shade during hottest part of day

when UV is high

2. Take mindful moments grounding outside barefoot on grass and connect with the earth

3. Hydrate well prioritising plenty of filtered water through the day and hydrating foods like cucumber, watermelon, mint avoid excessive spicy or greasy foods.

   
   

4. Eat bitter foods to help with digestion such as watercress

   
   

5. Moving matters - get active outside taking in natural light try an oudoor walk after meals. Sun worshipping Yogis will be practising 108 Sun Salutations to mark the Equinox - take on a new fitness challenge that motivates and moves you.

   
   

6. Embrace joy in your life through connections with other or practice activities you enjoy

   
   

7. To balance our summer fire rest and relax to recharge energy with good sleep habits

   
   

8. Adopt a growth mindset. Experience something new learn a new skill, try a new exercise, visit a new place.

   
   
   
   

Yoga Sun Salutation Sequence - Honours the sun Warms, stretches and strengthens body

Summer Foods to Add to your Shopping List