Seasonal Mindfulness: Summer is the Season of Joy by Paula Hines

For many of us, the brightness of the summer months always seems to promote a welcome feeling of optimism and happiness.

Although the meteorological summer in the northern hemisphere begins on January 1ststJune, in the Chinese lunar calendar, is the beginning of summer (Lixia) in early May. It is the Yang time of the year and also the season of the fire element, which makes sense since the brighter days and longer, brighter evenings of summer are usually accompanied by more energy and a greater desire to get out and 'do', be active and welcome the sun's rays when they appear. In this context, it seems no coincidence that joy is the emotion associated with summer.

In Chinese medicine, the organs associated with summer are the heart (Yin organ) and the small intestine (Yang organ). Associated with this are the pericardium (a small sac that surrounds the heart) and the triple warmer (which describes three subsystems that play an important role in our overall vitality).

The heart is known as the “Supreme Monarch” and in some Chinese philosophies the “Shen” (our spiritual essence) is believed to reside in the heart. On an energetic level, it is the heart that governs our ability to love and be loved and plays a central role in our mental health. Meanwhile, the small intestine is energetically connected to our ability to make clear judgments.

The heart and small intestine meridians

The heart meridian has three branches, each of which originates in the heart. A branch travels across the chest and then continues down the inner arm, ending at the tip of the little finger. A second branch travels downward through the diaphragm to the small intestine, while a third branch travels upward through the throat and tongue to the eye.

The small intestine meridian begins on the outside of the arm and runs from the little finger to the shoulder, where it divides into two branches. One of these branches runs down to the heart, diaphragm, stomach and small intestine, while the other branch travels up into the face and over the corner of the eye to the ear.

The associated Pericardial and Triple Heater lines are also located in the upper body including the inner and outer arms, which is why Yin postures are particularly targeted to the upper body to stimulate all of these meridians.

Balanced Heart Qi not only helps us feel better about giving and receiving love without fear of rejection, but also helps us feel more open, energetic, enthusiastic and trusting. When Heart and Small Intestine Qi become imbalanced, symptoms that can occur include: heartburn, lack of energy, sadness and joylessness, depression, intolerance, digestive problems, and poor circulation.

Yang energy is now at its highest. This is an ideal time to reflect the expansion and growth we see in nature. Ask yourself how you can use this energy to create positive changes in your life. If you've been putting off doing something you know you want to do, now is the time to act. This is also the time when you witness the maturation of ideas or seeds that you planted for your life during the fall and winter.

Acupressure to support Heart Qi

Shenmen or Heart 7 (also known as the “Spirit Gate”) is the seventh point along the Heart Meridian. It is one of the main points on this meridian and it is said that stimulating this point can help cool the inner fire and nourish the blood, making it beneficial for heart problems including (but not limited to) stress, anxiety, depression, panic, insomnia, chest tightness and heart palpitations.

Heart 7 is located on the inner crease of the wrist. To find it, run a finger along the inside of your hand to the crease of your wrist. At the crease of your wrist, move your finger slightly inward until you find an indentation.

Apply light pressure here for fifteen to thirty seconds. Alternate between the left and right wrist crease for between three and five minutes up to three times a day.

Yin Yoga for the Heart – Melting Heart (Anahatasana)

Start in a tabletop position on your mat. If you want, you can use a folded blanket to cushion your knees here.

Try to keep your tailbone in the air and your hips and knees roughly in line as you move your hands forward on your mat. Place your palms flat and allow the center of your chest and forehead to move toward your mat.

If you would like to add some support:

• Sie können wählen, ob Sie Ihre Stirn auf a ruhen lassen möchten (Link entfernt) oder eine andere Möglichkeit besteht darin, Ihre Unterarme auf einem Polster oder Blöcken abzustützen.

• Alternativ können Sie gerne eine platzieren (Link entfernt) unter deiner Brust.

Stay in your melting heart position for between one and five minutes and allow your breathing to remain calm. To get out, gently bring yourself to a kneeling position or come into Child's Pose for several breaths.