Each season has its own unique energy. Can you feel it? The silence of winter leads to a sudden buzz of energy in spring, which turns into constant movement and growth in summer. The intense heat of summer eventually intensifies in late summer as the gardens overflow with home-grown fruits and vegetables. As the weather begins to cool again in the fall, nature has one last push before it begins to turn its energy inward.
The Earth and everything on it – including humans – responds to seasonal shifts and larger changes in the universe. We respond outwardly by adjusting our patterns and clothes, but the real changes happen from within, often without us knowing it.
As the seasons flow from one to the next, nature intuitively knows how to adapt. In summer, horses, people and other animals sweat, while elephants and jackrabbits radiate heat from their ears. Many fur-covered animals shed, while others seek shade under cool rocks or trees or are attracted to a water source for instant cooling. Some, like dogs and birds, pant to rid their bodies of heat.
Some cold-blooded species that live in arid desert environments, such as reptiles, earthworms, and amphibians, undergo aestivation (a deep sleep) to preserve their Qi and retain water during the hottest summer days. Often lakes in these environments dry out and food becomes scarce. Animals, such as the West African lungfish, have learned to adapt to survive these conditions. This fascinating creature burrows into the mud and secretes a mucus cocoon to protect its body. During this state it feeds on its own muscle tissue and wakes up again during the rainy season.
These animals don’t worry about it being too hot, too sunny or too dry. They simply react and adapt.
Nature has an innate intelligence. He knows what he must do to ensure the survival of his species.
This Sunday, at 4:24 a.m. EST, we officially welcome the summer solstice. This includes longer days and shorter nights. Summer landscapes are rich in color as the flowers come to life. The hottest days of summer are yet to come.
Join the vibrancy of summer and bring this seasonal Qi indoors.
Start practicing The dragon stands between heaven and earth. This powerful standing meditation is used in all our Qigong programs. Hold it for 5 minutes at first and eventually work up to 30 minutes or more. The longer you hold the pose, the more benefit you get.
Learn more about Dragon’s Way Qigong®, our 6 week Qigong and wellness programand find an instructor near you.
Join Qi Thursday, a free, virtual Qigong practice every Thursday evening at 7:30 PM EST. Each week a Dragon’s Way Qigong instructor will lead the movement.