Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!

July 30, 2014
It's time to have fun, but not too much. Read more to see what I mean. image: nakedfeetyoga.com

It’s time to have fun, but ration it out. Read more to see what I mean. image: nakedfeetyoga.com

Gosh darn it NYC, it’s hot outside. Summer is definitely here in its full and beautiful glory. It’s beach / watermelon eating / dancing under the stars weather and all I hear from those around me is, “I’m exhausted.” So what’s up?

This feeling of exhaustion makes sense not only because the warmer weather makes us more active but also because it’s due to other forces in action. In Feng Shui, the summer season is associated with the Fire element and the color is red, just like the hot flame. 

Think about what Fire represents – intense heat, yang or powerful, active energy that is fast moving and if not attended, can either scorch everything in its path or burn out quickly. Doesn’t this already sound exhausting? If you’re not careful, this volatile energy can really have a big effect on your life and your mental and physical health. 

So how can you keep from burning out during this red hot summer season?

Here are a few tips for keeping your energy balanced during a season that could easily be very draining:

1) SloMo – Repeat after me, “slomo, slomo, slomo.” Make it your slogan this summer. It’s not going to be easy, but ya gotta slow down. You know how cars overheat and they stop running? Well, it happens with people too. You may feel invincible and light but if you push yourself too hard, you run the risk of burning yourself out. Pay attention to signals – heated arguments, heated moods or getting that summer cold. Surefire (pun intended) signs you gotta shift gears into slomo.

2) Ice, ice baby – In the Feng Shui Bagua, Summer is represented in the section of Fame and Reputation located at the top middle area of your space when you walk through the door. If you are feeling the heat at your job or in any situation where you are visible, cool it down. Literally and figuratively. Put something “cool” in your Fame/Reputation area to dampen the fire. Try some flowers (not red!) in a vase of cool water. Been to Iceland or somewhere especially frosty? Hang up a photo of the snowy landscape and watch the heated temperatures in your life instantly cool down.

Your Fame/Reputation, the season of Summer, the element of Fire, and the color red all reside here. image: Feng Shui Creative

Your Fame/Reputation (Recognition), the season of Summer, the element of Fire, and the color red all reside here. image: Feng Shui Creative

3) The Eyes have it – Since the eyes are also associated with the section of the Bagua related to the summer, you want to take special care of your eyes this season. Make sure you always wear sunglasses to protect them from harmful rays. On another level, be mindful of how you see or perceive certain things. Remember what I mentioned how hot weather = hot tempers and moods? Play it safe. Act in Slomo, keep your cool and let things simmer down because things may not always be how they appear in the heat of the Summertime. 

If you are already feeling burnt-out, take refuge in self care. I get acupuncture as much as I can to recharge and re-energize. My friends at Olo Acupuncture have a great post about taking care of yourself this Summer.

I leave you with a quote, “Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” ― John LubbockThe Use Of Life

Now go get into Slomo.



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