Solstice 2020 – Follow Your Heart to Good Health

The Solstice this week ushers in the season of summer and this year things may be very different for many of us … Take a look at what I wrote about summer one year ago:

“In summer energy is expanding! It’s the time for connecting — with nature, with friends, with family, with community — and with self. In summer we open our hearts, we fill our hearts, we go outside and we play, cultivating vitality, enjoyment and fun.”

Hum. Under the cloud of COVID-19 we will need to re-think some of summer’s traditional fun. Even with this cloud though, our days are still long and the sun remains bright. Energy is absolutely expanding as nature stays busy producing its seasonal abundance. We may connect very differently socially but summer remains a great season to focus on being in nature and — very importantly — connection to self, including self-compassion.

Summer is the season of the heart and a good time to tap into YOUR heart health. This includes looking at both the physical and the emotional state of your heart in order to follow your heart to good health.

A recent newsletter from Kaiser Health summarized physical health as including, “Eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, and prioritizing your health.” Emotional health includes, “Self-compassion, acceptance, and creating space to express how you feel.”

I think most health professionals would agree it’s a pretty good list. It can be challenging to ensure that our own health remains high on our list of priorities, yet it’s an essential part of being well. Consider how you’re doing in the areas noted above regarding physical and emotional health. If you conclude you may need to improve in some areas, first, BE KIND to yourself and know that you can always take small steps toward improving the health of your heart — and your life.

I’m sharing something (below) that was given to me years ago during a time when I wasn’t focused on caring for myself and as a result I was in a lot of physical pain. When I first read the below “Tips to Care for Shen” I actually balked. It all seemed ludicrous to me; beyond the realm of possibility. And yet … I was in a great deal of pain … I pondered the possibility of having to make big changes in how I was living and thinking about health. When I look at the same “Tips to Care for Shen” today, my reaction is very different. The guidance seems rational and feels like worthy pursuit. My reaction changed over many years because I kept moving… slowly … toward my good health goals. I believe when it comes to our health it’s always pursuit. Keep going. Keep learning. Keep trying. Reset. Reset. Reset. Perhaps in light of current events, it’s a particularly good time to share these tips …

TIPS TO CARE FOR SHEN

Ancient Chinese doctors believed the key to good health starts with a healthy heart spirit, or “shen.” Here are some ways to keep your shen in top shape.

Focus on:

  • Maintaining a positive outlook
  • Getting enough rest
  • Practicing benevolence and compassion
  • Seeking peace and tranquility
  • Meditating
  • Going out in nature

Avoid:

  • Overwork
  • An erratic schedule
  • Lack of sleep
  • Chronic stress
  • Anger, hatred, and resentment

Here’s to worthy pursuits! May your summer be filled with (self) LOVE!

Stay Safe. Be well.

Denise