Releasing Summertime Blues

Welcome to summertime; it's such a beautiful time of the year. Summer brings forth the energy of expansion, a season when our hard work, dreams, and desires come into full bloom. This is a good time of year to nurture the growth and expansion of your creativity. The warm weather also brings opportunities for travel to distant places and embarking on exciting new adventures. So much opens and unfolds at this beautiful time of year!

For many of us, summertime instills a surge of vitality, an irresistible craving for outdoor activities and playtime. But what if you're not feeling the usual energy and enthusiasm that accompany the summer season? While everyone else is reveling in the joys of summer, do you find yourself longing to curl up in bed instead? To comprehend why such an imbalance may occur, we must delve into certain aspects of the Chinese medicine concept known as the Fire Element. In traditional Chinese Medicine, a system of five Elements—earth, metal, wood, fire, and water—is employed to describe the intricate interactions between our bodies, the seasons, and our connection to the earth and the Universe. Within this framework, the Fire element dominates the season of summer. It governs the circulatory and nervous systems, infusing the body with the energy of passion, motivation, movement, and joy.

However, there are those who experience a lack of interest during this time, struggling to find ambition in their work or the pursuit of their goals. Instead, they may even find themselves stuck in depression. This is a sign that the Fire element is out of balance. Prolonged periods of stress can easily deplete our inner fire element. Hence, when under high stress, it is crucial to allocate time for tending to our inner fire and replenishing our energy reserves amidst the demands of our daily challenges. Rest and relaxation are crucial for rekindling the Fire element. Taking time to recharge and engage in activities that bring you joy, and fulfillment can help replenish your energy. Additionally, Chinese herbal formulas such as Nature’s Sunshine’s Chinese Nervous Fatigue, which provides herbs specifically designed to support the nervous system to restore balance, can be beneficial in revitalizing the Fire element.

It's also worth considering other factors that may contribute to your lack of enthusiasm during the summer. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), for example, is a condition where individuals experience depressive symptoms during specific seasons, from lack of sunlight. In these cases, you need to take time to go outside and absorb the sunshine. There are also special light therapy light boxes available to use indoors during cloudy weather. If your lack of interest and low mood persist despite efforts to restore your Fire element, it may be helpful to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate guidance. Remember, each person's experience can vary, and it's essential to listen to your body and prioritize self-care to find balance and well-being during the summer season and beyond.

Nutritionally we can help re-kindle our drive, passion and fire with herbs that have an affinity to re-build the organs and system governed by the fire element.

Chinese Nervous Fatigue formula is an herbal blend designed to nourish and replenish deficient Fire energy within the body. The carefully selected herbs in this formula act as tonics for the heart, nerves, and glands, with a specific focus on the adrenal glands that often experience exhaustion due to constant stress. By targeting these areas, the formula works to improve moods, boost motivation, alleviate stress, and foster a sense of overall well-being. In addition to its impact on the nervous system, the Nervous Fatigue formula also enhances circulation and promotes better digestion. It invigorates the body, helping to combat fatigue and restore vitality. Furthermore, the formula offers relief from symptoms of depression and supports healthy sleep patterns, contributing to a more balanced and harmonious state of being.

Keys to a healthy Fire Element:

1. Find a balance between Rest and Play never neglecting the importance of either facet.

2. Carve out moments in your day to meditate or pray, focus on moving into your heart center. This practice helps to quiet your chatty mind and allow you to move into tranquil contemplation. Set your intention to make your daily decisions from this heart centered position. This will help keep your mind and ego from steering you into activities that drain your energy or fail to resonate with your true desires. The mind tends to be fixated on two distinct realms: the events and situations of the past or the longings and aspirations for the future. The mind, inherently, does not reside in the present moment. The past, once experienced, is but a memory, while the future remains a realm yet to be realized, so, both perspectives are somewhat illusory in nature. In contrast, the heart is attuned to the power of the present moment, recognizing the infinite possibilities that unfold before us every moment.

3. Take time to marvel at the beauty of creation, watch a sunset or the stars, study a flower or listen to the rain – spend time outdoors. Practice gratitude for the beautiful earth we live on. 4. Pay attention to the subtle whispers of your intuition, become more attuned to this inner guidance system. Practice making decisions by trusting your inner compass to guide you. By doing so, you empower yourself to navigate the intricate pathways of life with clarity and purpose.

5. Cultivate the emotion of love in your life. Think about ways that you can reach out to people around you with love centered in your heart. This may be as effortless as holding a door open for a stranger, offering a warm smile to someone who appears downtrodden, or discovering opportunities to contribute your time or resources to aid another. Essentially, permit the gentle current of love to gracefully emanate from the depths of your heart each day. Additionally take time to allow yourself to receive from others as well. Accept a hug from a friend or spouse; accept the help of someone who offers it. Become open hearted to accept love, affection, and the generosity of others.

6. Make conscious choices to care for your physical body. Engage in regular exercise, stretch your body, choose nourishing foods, and ensure you stay hydrated with clean water.

By implementing these practices, you can support the restoration of and nurture your Fire element, fostering a deeper sense of well-being and alignment.

7. Embrace and celebrate your inner light, follow the path that ignites and excites your soul. Although you may be uncertain of where it leads, you can feel its magnetic pull. Trust in your inner light as it reconnects you with your authentic self and empowers you. Do not be afraid, for the Universe will support you every step of the way, opening doors and illuminating the path before you.

Blessings to you on your journey towards health and vitality, Valerie

Disclaimer: Supplement recommendations are not designed to treat a disease condition. Discussions are for educational purposes only. Supplements should be used to nourish and strengthen the natural function of the various body organs and systems so that they will have a greater capacity to heal themselves. It is not intended to replace your doctor's recommendations.