There are two summers

I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed, but summer is a long and curious season. When it first arrives, it is lush, bursting, and exuberant. The energy of the universe moves upward and feels exciting. You feel good, full of hope and expectation. Then comes the summer solstice, and Yang energy reaches its extreme. The super-long daylight makes you feel as if you could achieve so much in a single day!

From there, things get a little shifty. Generally, about 20 to 30 days after the summer solstice, the heat becomes uncomfortable—it is just too much. The air is either too dry or too humid. Your body starts to feel a little heavier. Your energy level drops, and maybe you even get somewhat edgy and moody.

The truth is, there are two summers.

In the Taoist perception of nature, the first part, typically before the summer solstice, is called “summer.” It belongs to the “fire” element. The second part—the hot, sticky part—is called “long summer,” and it is represented by the “earth” element.

Fire peaks at the summer solstice. All the Yang energy of nature and the human body (after all, we are just a part of nature) comes to the surface. We see trees reaching higher, grass stretching longer, and splendid flowers, like peonies, blossoming in all their glory.

If you have the Tai Chi symbol in mind, you will remember there is a small dot of Yin located inside the large side of Yang. When Yang reaches its extreme, Yin starts to grow. Now, let’s get scientific:

What happens when we introduce coldness to hot air? The humidity in the hot air condenses and becomes water again.

What happens when we mix that condensed water with the “earth” element? It makes mud.

And what does mud do? It is sticky, heavy, and it drags you down.

Understanding this allows us to take care of ourselves accordingly. Modern, hyper-focused “self-discipline” culture should not drive you to feel guilty when you simply do not want to move. If you have less of an appetite, that is okay too. A rigid “healthy eating guide” shouldn't force you to consume heavy protein right now. In our bodies, the earth element corresponds to our digestive system. When it already tends to feel "muddy" during this season, give it less of a burden. Let your body tell you when it actually needs to eat.

Taking care of ourselves is all about establishing communication. We have to listen to our bodies, and our bodies must be allowed to connect with nature.