Here comes summer

I’m imagining times I’ve spent in the woods when it’s been really hot outside. Not quite like this heatwave (I hope y’all have been hydrating 💜), but a nice summer day when it’s cooler among the trees. I’m picturing walks in Parc Angrignon, and camping trips, and bonfires lit at night.

Summer has arrived trumpeting its presence, which is a very Fire thing to do. It is the most social element, the one with the closest association to performance and creativity. I’ve been working my best to harness its energy for a number of projects, and musing on how Wood fuels Fire in the generative cycle of the Wuxing.

My predominant element is Water, so I’m prone to reflect on the past, and I am taking some time on, “How has the last season prepared me for the coming one?” As part of focusing on the element of Wood and observing the changes outdoors (the buds and shoots, rising and growing and eventually unfurling; the violet of allium blossoms and flowers of other colours), I’ve spent a lot of time outside and taken a lot of pictures of greenery. It’s been awesome to practice presence in observing the passing of spring.

I want to carry that practice forward into the hot season (though I have been duly avoiding spending too much time in the heat). One of the things I appreciate most about summer here versus summer in Louisiana (which I briefly experienced on my trip back) is that there are so many more days during which it is pleasant to be outside. I’ve made a habit of taking an electric bixi back home after therapy: up through the winding paths of Parc du Mont-Royal and down past St. Joseph’s Oratory.

Next on my list is to spend some time in and near water and feel the relationship between these two elements: Water controls Fire. Like diving into a cool pool after we’ve gotten a bit hot, or dousing a flame with a bucket.

I’ve long associated the element of Fire with motion as well: walking, exercising, dancing. How are you moving your body differently as things warm up? Are you joining a class, visiting a pool regularly, increasing or decreasing your activity level? I’m here to support you, to help you relax, and to ease your stress.