Building Summer Yang
Japanese Maple & Peony Shadows on my wall
I woke up this morning with a heaviness. Grumpy. Feeling like I wanted to stay curled up in a cave of darkness. Nesting, protected.
My affinity for the Water element, extreme yin energy, and darkness was screaming today. It's always been my nature, but I didn't understand it quite the way I am becoming to.
Before, it was depression, sadness, dysfunction, shyness, introversion. All of those were accurate, true things about me, but they weren't the whole story. I am a sensitive soul who feel the shifts in weather & seasons strongly. And, the building yang energy isn't always welcomed.
I've always been drawn to shadows. Walking my Dobermans at night in Chicago and Denver, I was obsessed with capturing shadows of grass, flowers, and trees on sidewalks and walls. In my moodiness today, I looked up to see my Japanese Maple & vibrant pink Peony creating a beautiful shadow on my dining room wall.
It was breath taking and a fleeting moment. The Sun came out just long enough for me to snap a few photos and be reminded that shadows only exist with light. Without that light source (my car windshield reflecting the Sun), shining brilliantly behind it, the Japanese Maple and Peony wouldn't be able to show up on my wall.
Yang and Yin must dance together through the year. Yang building until Summer Solstice in June and then depleting as the Yin builds until Winter Solstice. And, it flips once again. It's the rhythm of the Cosmic Wheel of the Year.
All of the building Yang energy can feel like a lot for those of us who prefer staying drawn inward, quite, and nesting. The Fire element can feel loud, immense, and hard to hide from. It's the energy of a flower blossoming and on display for everyone to see and admire. Everyone's suppose to love Summer, right?
It's not that ease. And even when you love Summer, it can bring imbalance and show up as...
🔥 too much heat
🔥 insomnia or very restless sleep
🔥 dream-disturbed sleep
🔥 indigestion or acid reflux
🔥 anxiety
🔥 palpitations
🔥 hyperactivity or restlessness
🔥 inability to concentrate
When the building yang feels like too much, taking a short nap from 11am-1pm, during the time of the Heart energy, is a great way to turn inward and take a break from the yang energy. Doing a yoga nidra would maximize the yin building pause.
I'm adding a few weekday appointments during that window to support pausing during the peak yang and Fire element (Heart and Small Intestine) time of the day...in case you'd like to take a nap with needles. They're now live on the portal: Monday 11:30-1:15, Tuesday 11:45-1:15, and Wednesday 12-3:30.
When temperatures begin to climb, it's time to stay hydrated and to eat lighter meals full of fresh fruits and veggies. Veggies like celery, cucumbers, zucchini, leafy greens, and mung beans and fruits like melons, peaches, and strawberries. Mint tea, water with lemon or lime, or coconut water are all ways to help cool the heat that can build during Summer.
How do seasonal shifts impact you? What's your relationship with Summer and building yang energy?
Things to know...
Celebrate the Summer Solstice with Acupuncture + Yoga Nidra. It'll be similar to the previous Winter Solstice events, but I'm going to do less education/talking. I'll get you set up in a supported savasana and move around the room needling you with just 5 needles. Then, I'll do a short yoga nidra. It'll be on Saturday, 6/20, during the Fire element window from 12:30-2. $45 & limited to 8. Book here
Gemini New Moon Cycle Community Acupuncture is on June 13th at 4:30 & 6. Book here
June 27th is an all-day Alchemical Healing Mentorship session, so the Capricorn Full Moon Community Acupuncture will be on Sunday, June 28th, at 4:30 & 6. Book here
Sending you so much love. May you pause and cultivate yin during these days of building yang to support balance, play, and joyful Summer memories. If you need support, come see me! Sometimes just 30 minutes to breathe and let the needles do their magic allows us to recharge our batteries during these long days of sunlight!
xx, Vanessa
