Lighter for Longer ~ Summer Solstice 2016

 

Lighter for Longer ~ Summer Solstice 2016 For a Fast way to Feel Fresher & More Alive  View this video for valuable exercises that will change you forever: YouTube – 5 Element Qi Gong 20 June 2016 marks our high point where the Suns beam for the longest time. Beam your Passion to expand and fulfil your real purpose.   Uniquely we also have a Full strawberry moon: the best season for gathering strawberries.  So reap the ripeness of what you sowed. Immerse yourself in this vibrant energy of nature to lift your spirits and Share these experiences with others. Absorb Natures Warmth Fire is associated with Summer; the Yang energy of the natural world reaches its peak symbolising energy and passion. It is a time of expansion, growth, lightness, activity and creativity, a season for warmth, love and intimacy, a season full of ripeness and maturity. People ruled by the fire element may have an intensely charming nature, dramatic expressions, and will often become the focal point of any group, but be mindful not to be reckless and overenthusiastic resulting in impatience, impulsiveness, anger, excessive ambition and burnout. A lack of fire will lead to coldness, lack of motivation, lethargy, restless emotions, and a highly impulsive nature or a sense of dullness. When our Fire Element burns brightly and with more purity within us our spirit is more open to communication, not only with our own deep sense of who we are but also to the spirit of the people who surround us and with the Natural world. Ideas and feelings move between us more fluidly when we are relaxed and our Hearts radiate warmth and compassion, joy and love. Summer Health To prevent summer ills and remain in harmony with the environment of Summer, ancient Chinese physicians advised: Awaken earlier in the morning. Go to bed later in the evening. Rest at midday. Drink plenty of fluids. Add pungent flavour’s to your diet. Refrain from anger; keep calm and even-tempered. Cooling Foods In summer, indigestion can easily occur, so it is the perfect season to introduce some cool foods that are light and less greasy. Food with cool and cold properties can clear heat, reduce toxins, and generate body fluids.  In general, cooling foods tend towards the green end of the spectrum — lettuce, cucumbers, and watercress are some of the coolest. Few vegetables are warming. Fish and seafood are also cooling, while most meats are warming. Eat in moderation. Over consumption of any food, especially cooling foods, can lead to indigestion, sluggishness and possibly diarrhoea. Do not leave your food out for too long. The hot weather tends to increase food spoilage. Stay away from dairy, heavy, greasy, and fried foods. Eat local produce – we are more in harmony with the food that is grown around us and in our environment. Eat Bitter foods will generally be cooling and hot aromatic flavours help disperse heat to the surface of our bodies allowing it to cool. Here are some suggestions to help your body adjust its temperature and keep you cool and balanced all summer long: Asparagus                                   Apples                                                Alfalfa Bamboo                                       Apricot                                                Basil Bok Choy                                    Cantaloupe Melon                           Black pepper Broccoli                                        Dark Plum                                         Chilli Chinese cabbage                      Grapes                                               Coriander Corn                                             Lemon                                                Dandelions Cucumber                                   Orange                                               Dill Mung beans                               Peach                                                Ginger Sweet potatoes                           Pear                                                    Horseradish Snow peas                                  Pineapple                                          Radicchio Spinach                                       Strawberries                                      Rocket Summer squash                        Watermelon                                      Watercress Seaweed                                        Tomatoes                                        White mushroom Drink – Keep a pitcher of water with slices of lemon and cucumber with you and sip it throughout the day. – Coconut milk – Peppermint tea is one of the best summer teas you can have; it has a powerful cooling effect while calming the digestion. – Redbush tea helps keep you cool, high in antioxidants and also naturally caffeine free. Play It’s a very good time to look at what brings you fulfilment in life and how it can transform you. It is the time of year to rise early with the sun, practice qigong or yoga, meditate, laugh, be playful and be full of joy. “Live as long as you like and Love as long as you live” It would be lovely to see you again this Summer or you could purchase discounted vouchers for your family or friends.  As always, I am only a phone call away even if you want a discussion.

Feel free to contact me for any tips or advice, Savour the Summer and trust your rich existence.

Warmth & Majic

Karen Durham DS MRSS(T) Shiatsu Specialist & Teacher T: 07986 088 900 E: karen@afinebalance.co.uk W: www.afinebalance.co.uk