Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.        John Lubbock

Studying traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has brought many insights with each season, along with humility, trying to learn about an extensive, holistic practice that is over 5,000 years old. The five elements are a TCM concept from ancient Chinese philosophy. They describe the chi or life force energy and the balance of opposites, yin and yang, which occur in nature, our bodies, and our human nature. Harmonizing and balancing yin and yang is a fundamental principle of TCM.

According to TCM, nature and our whole being/human nature are organized into the five-element theory (earth, metal, water, wood, fire). Each element is associated with a particular season, color, emotional and mental quality, organ, time of day, body part, sensory organ, and energy pathway/meridian along which the chi travels. Summer is the time of the fire element, the most yang, active time of the year. Summer is about expansion, moving outward, growth, activity, and creativity. Late summer is the time of the Earth element. Fall is the time of the metal element. Winter is the time of the water element, and Spring is the time of the wood element.

The Fire element rules the heart, mind, and spirit. When the fire element is balanced, the heart is strong and healthy, the mind is calm, and sleep is sound. When imbalanced, we may lack joy (depression) or have excess joy (mania), noticed as agitation, nervousness, heartburn, and insomnia. To remain balanced in summer: awaken earlier in the morning, rest at midday, and go to bed later in the evening; eat in moderation; drink plenty of fluids; stay away from greasy, fried foods; eat lighter, cooling salads and vegetables (lettuce, sprouts, cucumbers, asparagus, broccoli, spinach, snow peas, white mushrooms) and fruit (watermelon, lemons, cantaloupe, peaches, apricots).

Summer is a great time to take action for positive change and creative expression in our lives. We don't have to be great artists to be creative. Creativity involves dreaming and making things happen through intentions, perhaps through a creative project that excites us. Creative expression opens doors to our imagination, brings greater meaning to our lives, brings unexpected adventures and joy, makes us happy, heals our wounds, and brings new insights. Creativity can remind us of what Pooh states in Winnie the Pooh, "Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved."  Enjoy your summer adventures!

Regina