Summer Energy
On the first day of elementary school each year, the teacher would ask us, "How did you spend your summer vacation?" I was glad my family always went on a trip in August because it gave me something to say that sounded exciting. At least in my mind then, it seemed a better answer than telling how I languished in the mulberry tree, took sewing or art lessons, rode my bike to the pool, and baked chocolate chip cookies with my sister. Oh, I also rode horses, went fishing with my Dad, explored country meadows and rocky cliffs, and spent two weeks on my grandparents' farms. But none of that sounded as exotic as taking a trip to the Colorado Rockies or Minnesota's lakes.
For the first twenty-plus years of my life, summer meant free time. It was a time to explore, be creative, have fun - and I did. When I finally completed my school years and started working full time, I missed those summer months. A few days' vacation time just wasn't enough, and I realized how special those seemingly mundane summer activities really were.
The Art of Jin Shin Jyutsu teaches us that Summer energy is the most extrovert of the energies. It is both the energy of stretching out into the world from our inner fire and passion, and assimilating what nourishes us. In so doing, we are able to fully express the uniqueness of who we are, and we live authentically.
We see this in nature as plants, flowers and trees reach their growth potential during the summer months. As I apply this understanding to the summers of my youth, I see how well it fits. Those summer activities stretched me from my usual routines, and they helped me learn what sparks my sense of aliveness. They were, in a way, training ground for who I was becoming.
As the summer months begin, we often ask ourselves, "What do I want to do this summer? What special activities and adventures do I want? What quiet times for reflection and rejuvenation do I want to include?" Or, from the Jin Shin Jyutsu understanding of Summer energy, "How do I want to utilize Summer energy to more authentically be and express who I am?"
If we can let go of the “shoulds” in our head, we’ll find there is a yearning in our heart that will lead us to a greater expression or understanding in some part of our life. Listen to your heart, and step in the direction it leads. Summer energy helps us follow that yearning and actualize a deeper sense of self.
You may even find that it opens doorways that extend beyond the summer months because Summer energy is not confined to the months June through August. It is part of the cycle of life that we experience all of the time. It could be a day in the week, or hours in the day, when this part of Life energy takes the lead and moves within you a drive to explore and create. You can see it in yourself when you are most alert, energetic, and active. You can use the summer months, or even a week’s vacation, to open this awareness within yourself, and follow your heart.