Summer Solstice 2022: Rise of the Phoenix

Jun 21

Happy Summer Solstice 2022: Rise of the Phoenix

The phoenix bird symbolizes immortality, resurrection, and life after death; in ancient Greek and Egyptian myth, it is associated with the sun gods (Apollo and Ra). Fire is symbolic of maximum activity or greatest yang, in Chinese medicine. Summer is the season of the fire element, or yang, a time when the body undergoes through intense energy changes, our homes also go through similar processes to keep us cool in the heat.

This season is a time of outgoingness and moving outward into nature and in our lives.

In TCM theory, summer fire activates the heart, mind, and spirit. Therefore, our top priority should be given to the heart, mind, and spirit for staying healthy in the summertime. When we balance the fire element the heart is strong and healthy, the mind is calm, and sleep is sound.

To prevent summer ills and remain in harmony with the environment of summer, ancient Chinese physicians recommend

• Drink lots of water and stay hydrated, make vitamin water.

• Wake up earlier in the AM

• Go to bed later and enjoy the night hours

• Nap time at midday

• Add pungent flavors to your diet

• Balance anger and keep calm and even tempered

• More calm activities: yoga and meditation

Our homes need updating as well as they go through the shifts as much as we do. It’s important to remember that being our second skin, what happens in our homes also affects us. By keeping your home in check for the extra heat intake and changing the flow for each season, we can use our knowledge of sensory design to prepare for this summer shift. It’s a known fact that design not only affects our senses, but our moods, emotions, and behaviors.

Like our own bodies that adjust for summer, our homes also need to acclimate as well by providing it with maintenance and support.

What summer goals and projects do you want to accomplish?

HAPPY SUMMER!