The August New Moon heralds the arrival of the end of summer which, according to traditional Chinese medicine, is a season of transition between the yang of summer and the yin of winter. This shoulder season offers a chance to slow down, take time for self-care as we begin to draw our energy inward while taking stock of everything we’ve accomplished so far in the year . We need this buffer time to ease the adjustment between seasons and to encourage us to shift our energy and attention out of our heads and into the earth.

Calm anxious thoughts

Worry and anxiety are the main imbalances at this time of year. Feeling overwhelmed about not having done enough during the summer and worrying about the upcoming seasons of the year can be quite all-consuming. Worry has the power to take over our thoughts, causing us to ruminate instead of sleep, ultimately letting us carry fatigue and worry into our daily lives. This can become a vicious cycle, but it doesn’t have to be.

Taking the time to cultivate balance at the end of summer is a great way to ensure we can move smoothly between the other seasons this year. Slowing down and recognizing when we need to spend some time taking care of ourselves is the best way to embrace this season of transition and embrace a slower pace of life.

Best Tips

  1. Seeing – try a guided meditation that encourages visualization. This helps shift thought processes away from worry and can be a calming way to relax before bed.
  2. Listen – listening to quiet music offers another relaxing mental change. I enjoy Classic FM in the evening to help me relax, and it keeps me from staring at the screen before bed.
  3. Touch – self-massage offers the opportunity to make contact with the body and actively relax tense muscles. Try placing a tennis ball behind your upper shoulder (trapezius muscle) and lean against a wall or the floor. Don’t forget to switch to the opposite shoulder as well.
  4. Smell – aromatherapy offers a multitude of opportunities to relax the mind and take care of yourself. Try adding a few drops of lavender and peppermint to a bath or even a basin of water for a foot bath. These scents are wonderful for preventing headaches caused by continued stress.
  5. Taste: Enjoy a bit of something sweet to help soothe the nervous system. Chocolate provides a wealth of antioxidants that are great for the heart and mind. Good quality chocolate contains magnesium which is an essential mineral to promote healthy and restful sleep.

Make self-care a priority

All of these can be incorporated into your daily life or a well-rounded yoga practice. You don’t need to do them all, choose the one that works best for you and see how you do. The goal is not to add something to your life, but to incorporate a positive activity that improves your long-term well-being.

During my chocolate yoga workshop, I will invite all the senses to contribute to relaxation and grounding during a dedicated yoga session. You can expect an indulgent chocolate to bring the mind into the present moment; carefully selected aromatherapy oils to soothe the senses and promote gentleness; Guided visualization to take you out of your ruminating thoughts and immerse you in a softer, more calming space. All set to quiet music and accompanied by dedicated self-massage techniques. You will leave this workshop nourished from within and truly ready to embrace the changing seasons.