Since ancient times, people have celebrated the summer solstice as a triumph of light over darkness, a time to awaken our inner light.
In the northern hemisphere, the summer solstice occurs between June 19-22, marking the year’s longest day and a time of change. On the flip side, it’s the shortest day of the year in the southern hemisphere, known as the winter solstice.
Historically, the June solstice guided ancient calendars and agricultural cycles. Today, it’s celebrated worldwide with feasts, bonfires, picnics, music, and dancing. Some of my fondest summer memories in Santa Barbara are parades on State Street with costumed dancers and happy, sunny people!
Ayurveda and the Summer Solstice
In Ayurveda, seasonal changes (rtucharya) influence our health and well-being. As we transition from the cold, wet Kapha-dominant spring into the hot, Pitta-dominant summer, our doshas shift accordingly.
In summer, the moist, cool qualities of Kapha accumulated in spring ideally protect us from Pitta’s fiery intensity. However, the increasing heat can aggravate Vata due to its light, dry, and rough qualities. Throughout summer, Kapha decreases while Vata and Pitta increase.
Tips for Summer Balance
Eat for the Season
Ayurveda recommends eating sweet, light, and moist foods with healthy fats:
Pitta-balancing foods: coconut oil, avocado, asparagus, barley, basmati rice, dates, summer squash, and cucumbers.
Sweet fruits: watermelon, apples, and pears.
Avoid oily, fried, and spicy foods, as well as heating foods like tomatoes, garlic, and alcohol.
Eating mindfully and seasonally strengthens digestive fire and promotes inner balance.
Recipe:
Coconut-Date Energy Balls
Try these cooling, delicious energy balls—great for beach trips, hikes, or a sweet finish to meals. Adding Shatavari powder, an adaptogenic herb, enhances their grounding and balancing properties.
Ingredients:
• 12-14 medjool dates
• 1 cup pecans, cashews, or walnuts
• ¼-½ cup shredded coconut
• ½ teaspoon coconut oil
• 1 tsp Shatavari powder
• A dash of digestive spices (ginger, fennel, cardamom, cinnamon)
Directions:
Process all ingredients in a food processor. Form into balls and refrigerate.
Rest and Restore
Longer days and Pitta’s invigorating influence boost our vitality but can lead to burnout. A 20-40 minute Yoga Nidra or NSDR (non-sleep deep rest) session midday can restore energy and balance.
Follow Whole Living on Spotify or Insight Timer for suggestions
Vision and Journaling
Ancient Chinese solstice ceremonies honored the Earth, yin, and feminine, balancing winter’s celebrations of the heavens, yang, and masculine. Surya (the sun) represents the masculine within us. Reflect on your expression of masculine and feminine energies through journaling or creating a vision board.
Join IDEA Initiative's ELEVATE workshop on Saturday, June 22nd at Zoe Cascais to create the summer you desire and up-level your body, mind, and spirit for a productive and healthy autumn!
Journaling Prompts:
What natural energy do you bring to your environment, projects, and relationships this summer?
What aspects of your life feel strong and focused?
What kind of summer do you crave?
How can this summer set you up for a fulfilling autumn?
The summer solstice is a potent time to set intentions for the upcoming seasons. By connecting with nature and the collective, we prepare to thrive, feeling energized rather than exhausted by summer’s end.
As the sun reaches its peak, so too can we experience a peak in our internal energy. Bright choices are yours. Shine on into the vibrant season ahead.
In health,
Shannon
Information inspired and sourced from the articles below.
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