Living with the seasons ~ Summer

Yang ~ hot, bright, expansive & active

As spring transitions to summer, the erratic and unpredictable spring weather evens out with longer warmer days. We may feel an outward expansiveness and generally more physically and emotionally active. On the farm, we begin to harvest the summer vegetables, pick fresh berries, and notice much more insect life such as grasshoppers. Wild deer and the cockatoos can also be heard throughout the property.

With longer warmer days, our working days lengthen and we spend more time outdoors in the garden. We are busy planting and harvesting summer vegetables and still managing the abundance of weeds & green growth.

Flowers & fruits bloom

In summer we start to see the flowers, fruits and hazelnut trees bloom. There is plenty to do in the garden – planting summer vegetables, watering plants, weeding and mulching. We are also busy preparing firewood to ensure there is plenty for the year when the cooler weather returns.

There is plenty of food to choose from in summer season, including leafy greens, herbs, berries, fruit, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, fresh garlic & onion. Our summer meals often include a light miso soup with herbs, stir fry veggies, and fresh salads. Our favourite summer herbal teas include fresh peppermint, camomile and rosehip which are cooling and relaxing on those hot summer days.

Emotions and energetics

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the element associated with Summer is fire which has an upward and expansive energy, and this energy is expressed through the heart, small intestine, triple warmer and pericardium meridians. From a TCM perspective, the heart governs the blood and blood vessels, and houses the spirit & mind.  When we are in harmony with the fire element, we feel joy, connected, clarity, warm and friendly. When we are out of balance, the radiating heat of summer can make us feel agitated or defensive in social settings, and generally unsettled in the mind and heart.  

The fire element loves laughter, fun and feeling connected. So if you are feeling slightly out of balance in summer, try connecting with loved ones and doing the fun things that bring you joy. Listening to music, dancing, social outings, simple acts of kindness, or bodywork are all beneficial to bring more joy into our body or mind.

Enjoy the warmth of summer and be sure to share the joy and abundance of summer with those you love.