In Traditional Chinese Medicine, summer is the most yang, energetic time of year – the season to be the most active and outgoing. It is ruled by the Fire element, the heart organ, the emotion of joy and the sound of laughter. Sounds about right, doesn’t it? This is the season that calls for us to enjoy moments with friends, family and loved ones. And now thankfully, with the uptick in vaccination and the lowering positivity rate we are able to get back to enjoying time with others and be more in alignment with summer’s energetics.
The fire element.
Whereas Spring’s Wood element is about birth and the process of becoming, Fire celebrates that which has become. Taking an inventory of what’s around us, summer flowers explode from buds and burst with color, while insects buzz (this year especially!!) in a way that the air seems to be in constant motion. There is nothing subtle or hidden about summer – everything is on full display. This is the time to be out and about, not to withdraw and go within.
On a soul level, Fire is the element of connection and prompts us to commune with others. It is therefore fitting that summer is the season of shared experiences such as outdoor events and festivals as we appreciate creating and enjoying special moments with others. It is also a reminder that we are not so different after all.
The heart organ.
The organ most strongly associated with summer is the Heart, which has strong affiliations with love and relationships. It is the Heart which allows for connection and relation from one person to another. The Heart strives for union, finding the experience joyful – the more joy the Heart finds, the more it radiates to others. Like a glowing fire, the Heart spreads warmth to all who come within reach.
The emotion of joy.
Unsurprisingly, the corresponding emotion to summer is joy and excitement. Joy warms and activates the body and the senses. It is the emotion that opens the heart and inspires people to connect in warm ways with others. Much like the flames of a fire, joy and laughter spread – a smile prompts another smile and laughter is often contagious, allowing happiness to disperse to others.
This year.
Last summer, when the vaccine was not yet available, we had to rely on masks and social distancing. We had to hide our smiles and temper our summer tendencies, as well as our vacations. This summer, if vaccinated, we are able to enjoy the company of others, mask-less and see the faces of loved ones and others. We are once again able to be more in flow with summer’s energetics.
As more events are being planned and organized, it’s beginning to feel like the pandemic is all but over. Here we have some recommendations for how to pair summer’s fire energy with re-entry.
Get Vaccinated. If you haven’t already done so, consider vaccination. Since the vaccine has been implemented in the state, cases have gone down considerably. As of this writing, Maryland’s positivity rate is below one percent due to the increase in vaccination.
Baby Steps. For some, re-entering the world of socializing after a year of quarantining and distancing can be daunting. Consider taking it slow. It’s okay to say “no” and choose activities that will fill your cup rather than empty it. Be gentle with yourself as you reintegrate – what you’ve done in past summers may not be the right fit this year.
Conversely, some may want to take advantage of our new found freedom. However, no matter the circumstance, summer’s heat always needs to be tempered so be mindful of how much energy you are using in your activities.
Build in time for yin. Summer’s fire energy always calls for moments of downtime. If looking for gentle ways to connect with others, consider activities that combine both community and healing such as community acupuncture, yoga, or outdoor time at a park or in nature.
Drink plenty of fluids. Be sure to drink lots of water as well as cooling drinks such as watermelon juice and green tea to disperse summer heat and expel toxins.
Credit: Wood Becomes Water: Chinese Medicine in Everyday Life by Gail Reichstein
