When everyone is so dang summery…and you’re feeling a little potato-y.
I’m not sure how it’s feeling where you are, but New Mexico is pretty darn hot at the moment.
I’ve taken to closing up my bedroom French doors, shutting the room darkening shades, keeping the lights low, and running the floor and ceiling fans to maintain a tolerable temperature. It feels soothingly cave-like; a hibernation of sorts.
And it is, actually.
It’s called Estivation.
Estivation shows up mid-summer, and is a type of mild hibernation, a natural dormancy during a hot, dry cycle. Although animals can pop in and out of it easier than a true hibernation, it results in a slowed metabolism, sluggishness, inactivity, and even a slowed reaction time.
Have you ever seen a chipmunk lying belly down on your porch railing, contemplating deep chipmunk thoughts? That’s estivation!
It affects humans too. Especially if you happen to be a highly sensitive person, tuned into the earth.
All around the world cultures make room for estivation, and have built-in measures to accommodate the heat’s effect on humans. But sadly, here in the United States, we run our air conditioners and forget about our connection to earth cycles.
We push through it, like wading through waist-high waters, and then wonder what’s wrong with us that we can’t maintain our usual pace.
If this is you, I’m here to remind you to listen to your energy.
If you’re being affected by estivation you’re going to have to ease up on your performance/productivity expectations. You’re going to have to honor your own rhythms, and allow yourself to be pulled temporarily into a quieter state.
I’m not saying you have to sleep your way through the next month, but you may have to slow down.
Like any hibernation or dormancy period, you must also understand that it’s a way to concentrate, store, and ultimately channel large amounts of energy.
If you allow yourself your own version of estivation, you can expect beautiful rewards in a couple of months. I always generate my best ideas in deep summer (though it’s not the time to implement those ideas). I am most innovative, most creative, and most intuitive.
Ideas for cooperating with this cycle are:
1.) Do not be cruel to yourself. Understand that if you’re feeling sluggish or inactive, it only means you are strongly connected to the power of the Earth, and that is a great gift.
2.) Consider slightly adjusting your schedule. Perhaps shift to doing some of your work, if possible, to early mornings or after sunset. Avoid physical activity during the hottest time of the day, even if that is habitually the time that best works for you.
3.) Take an energetic break. Increase quiet mental activities like reading, writing, studying a new skill, or practicing your favorite non-physical art form.
4.) If you’re feeling overheated try adding cooling foods to your diet: cucumbers, basil, mint, green apples, watermelon, fresh green veggies–especially celery(!), quinoa, almonds, coconut, lime, berries, and anything with rose! Remember to drink lots of fresh, filtered water.
5.) Viva la siesta! Embrace the nap! Even a ten-minute rest can refresh and revitalize your energy.
I hope this was helpful! If you have any questions or insights, please be sure to ask or share in the comments! I always love hearing from you!
Much Love,
Kristy Sweetland, Author & Transformational Coach
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