Lifestyle changes for Summer 🌻

Summer time is the ultimate expression of abundance and is ruled by the fire phase.

Flowers are in full bloom, the sky is expansive and the sun is hot & bright.  We are more likely to be sociable in the warmer weather; more likely to rise early and stay up later in the evening.    We may feel courageous and throw ourselves into projects and events more easily.

However, if your fire element is in disharmony there may be sleep difficulties, depression or sadness may linger too long, anxiety or shutting yourself off from others may be common, or you may feel envious, negative and cut off from the joys of living.

In yoga we look to the fire element through the organs of the heart and small intestine energy function and we strengthen this element through specific yoga movements & breath work.

When the inner fire is balanced we experience love, joy, connection with others and within ourselves and we enjoy a calm mind while feeling grateful for all the blessings we have (including the problems which are seen as opportunities to learn).

To encourage the fire within to keep burning brightly and balanced we can include some of these tips.

1. Gratitude: ‘Your joy in life is proportional to your gratitude’ Brene Brown.  List three things (at least) daily that you are grateful for.  This is a serious practise which will increase your happiness 10 fold!  Be as specific as you can.

2.  Summer yoga posture :  Sitting with legs crossed and arms crossed – hands on knees, fold your face in toward your chest.  Hold & take 3 to  5 rounds of breath.  Each inhalation feel your upper back, in between your shoulder blades expand and then exhale feel this area relax.  Lay flat on your back for a few rounds of breath to settle the body & mind.

3.   Summer Foods:  Chew well!

Grain – corn & polenta are easily cooked

Beans – chickpeas (try hummus & falafal)

Vegies – slightly bitter flavours & lightly cooked is perfect for hot weather which activates digestion & circulation.  Try radish, watercress & lettuce.  Add cucumbers and zucchini to cool you down.

Sprouts – bean sprouts, alfalfa and lentil sprouts

Seaweed – nori flakes are a great source of minerals after sweating in the heat.  Enjoy sprinkled on food.

Fruits – melons, apricots, cherries & watermelon

Pickles – sauerkraut benefits digestive function & mobilises fat deposits.  Enjoy regularly.

Gratitude – Yoga – Summer Foods

A winning combination for a happy and healthy start to 2019.

🔥xxx