embracing mind-body connection amid the sunshine
We'd like to begin with a bit of an exercise.
How many songs can you think of that include the word "summer"?
Perhaps one or two songs come to mind.
When we take a moment to contemplate other songs that don't feature the word "summer" but still became anthems of the season, the list would likely expand.
Summer inspires many things—from music to summer blockbuster movies to flavorful drinks. It is a season marked by upbeat songs, bright colors, and, of course, much higher temperatures. It comes with its own distinct sounds, flavors, sights, and experiences that engage our senses. And our bodies recognize these.
Our bodies have an inherent affinity for rhythms and seasonal changes. We have built-in mechanisms to adjust to changes in temperature, food availability, and other environmental factors that come with the coming and going of seasons. Instinctively, our bodies recognize when it’s time to go inward and when it’s time to blossom. Thanks to a combination of biological, evolutionary, and psychological factors, these innate preferences are deeply ingrained in our physiology to optimize our survival and well-being.
In the summer, longer daylight hours can boost mood and energy levels—although those of us in Arizona and in other parts of the world could argue that heat can also cause lethargy and a preference for the indoors. Still, as we celebrate the last month of this season, we can relish in its offerings and find ways to introduce mindful embodiment to enhance our sun-soaked days and savor the joys of the present moment.
Delight in Nature
Nature encompasses more than just trees, plants, and the great outdoors (this is good news for us experiencing 100-degree weather). In the broadest sense, it refers to the physical world and life in general. This means that animals, the weather, and even the fruits and vegetables we eat are all part of nature. Seasonality brings delightful differences and variety to the way we experience the world. Simply going out for an early morning or evening walk, we can observe some elements in our environment that are exclusive to the season—the scent of the monsoon rain, the sound of the cicadas singing, and spectacular sunsets, to name a few. It also brings seasonal experiences. For us, it’s getting to spend mindful moments during our open grooming time with horses and the Equinimity community first thing in the morning instead of afternoons. For others, it might be enjoying fresh apples and grapes that are finally in season or the feeling of sand in our toes if heading to a tropical destination.
Taking notice of what this season brings to our environment and our senses can help us cultivate a deeper level of mindfulness and embodiment. How does the summer air feel on our skin? How does it feel to nourish our bodies with local seasonal food? How does sunlight fill the rooms in our homes during this time of the year? These are some of the questions we can ask ourselves to fully appreciate this season and the following seasons to come.
Experiencing Summer Through Five Senses
One of the grounding exercises that we like to practice at Equinimity is the Five Senses Exercise. In this exercise, we incorporate deep breathing to slow down and then focus ourselves to identify: five things we can see, four things we can feel, three things we can hear, two things we can smell, and one thing we can taste. It is an interesting exercise to explore through a seasonal lens. Sometimes, we may find ourselves fixated on the most intense sensations—for example, the harsh glare of the sun or the scorching heat. Through the Five Senses Exercise, we draw our attention to other things that are happening in our surroundings and within our bodies. This exercise also promotes relaxation and can ease feelings of stress and anxiety.
If you would like to practice the Five Senses Exercise, here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Find a quiet, comfortable space to be in for a few minutes. Feel free to sit, stand, or lie down.
2. Take a few deep breaths and focus on your breath as you inhale and exhale.
3. Begin by turning your attention to your sense of sight. Slowly look around and notice five things you can see. Focus on colors, shapes, and textures—for example, the vibrancy of leaves, the shapes of the shadows they cast.
4. Next, focus on your sense of touch. Notice four things you can touch, bringing your attention to the temperature, texture, and weight. For example, the soft, cool feeling of your pillow as it absorbs cold air from your AC.
5. Focus on your sense of sound. Listen for three things you can hear. For example, the joyous laughter of neighborhood kids enjoying school-free days. Or perhaps the distant sound of a popular summer song. If you’re listening to music, what instruments do you hear?
6. Move on to your sense of smell and identify two things you can smell. You might breathe in deeply or just notice a faint scent—flowers that only bloom during the summer or sunscreen you applied this morning.
7. Finally, focus on your sense of taste. Notice one thing you can taste, whether it's the lingering taste of your toothpaste or a refreshing beverage you had a few moments ago.
As you go through each sense, try to stay present and non-judgmental. If your mind wanders, simply acknowledge it and gently refocus your attention on your senses.
Summer offers us a golden opportunity to reconnect with ourselves and nature while enveloped in warmth and sunshine. For some, it is a season of vacation and relaxation, while for others, it is a season of action and exploration. Our preferences, plans, and activities may differ, but we hope that we can all share in the goodness of the season.
How many songs can you think of that include the word "summer"?
Perhaps one or two songs come to mind.
When we take a moment to contemplate other songs that don't feature the word "summer" but still became anthems of the season, the list would likely expand.
Summer inspires many things—from music to summer blockbuster movies to flavorful drinks. It is a season marked by upbeat songs, bright colors, and, of course, much higher temperatures. It comes with its own distinct sounds, flavors, sights, and experiences that engage our senses. And our bodies recognize these.
Our bodies have an inherent affinity for rhythms and seasonal changes. We have built-in mechanisms to adjust to changes in temperature, food availability, and other environmental factors that come with the coming and going of seasons. Instinctively, our bodies recognize when it’s time to go inward and when it’s time to blossom. Thanks to a combination of biological, evolutionary, and psychological factors, these innate preferences are deeply ingrained in our physiology to optimize our survival and well-being.
In the summer, longer daylight hours can boost mood and energy levels—although those of us in Arizona and in other parts of the world could argue that heat can also cause lethargy and a preference for the indoors. Still, as we celebrate the last month of this season, we can relish in its offerings and find ways to introduce mindful embodiment to enhance our sun-soaked days and savor the joys of the present moment.
Delight in Nature
Nature encompasses more than just trees, plants, and the great outdoors (this is good news for us experiencing 100-degree weather). In the broadest sense, it refers to the physical world and life in general. This means that animals, the weather, and even the fruits and vegetables we eat are all part of nature. Seasonality brings delightful differences and variety to the way we experience the world. Simply going out for an early morning or evening walk, we can observe some elements in our environment that are exclusive to the season—the scent of the monsoon rain, the sound of the cicadas singing, and spectacular sunsets, to name a few. It also brings seasonal experiences. For us, it’s getting to spend mindful moments during our open grooming time with horses and the Equinimity community first thing in the morning instead of afternoons. For others, it might be enjoying fresh apples and grapes that are finally in season or the feeling of sand in our toes if heading to a tropical destination.
Taking notice of what this season brings to our environment and our senses can help us cultivate a deeper level of mindfulness and embodiment. How does the summer air feel on our skin? How does it feel to nourish our bodies with local seasonal food? How does sunlight fill the rooms in our homes during this time of the year? These are some of the questions we can ask ourselves to fully appreciate this season and the following seasons to come.
Experiencing Summer Through Five Senses
One of the grounding exercises that we like to practice at Equinimity is the Five Senses Exercise. In this exercise, we incorporate deep breathing to slow down and then focus ourselves to identify: five things we can see, four things we can feel, three things we can hear, two things we can smell, and one thing we can taste. It is an interesting exercise to explore through a seasonal lens. Sometimes, we may find ourselves fixated on the most intense sensations—for example, the harsh glare of the sun or the scorching heat. Through the Five Senses Exercise, we draw our attention to other things that are happening in our surroundings and within our bodies. This exercise also promotes relaxation and can ease feelings of stress and anxiety.
If you would like to practice the Five Senses Exercise, here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Find a quiet, comfortable space to be in for a few minutes. Feel free to sit, stand, or lie down.
2. Take a few deep breaths and focus on your breath as you inhale and exhale.
3. Begin by turning your attention to your sense of sight. Slowly look around and notice five things you can see. Focus on colors, shapes, and textures—for example, the vibrancy of leaves, the shapes of the shadows they cast.
4. Next, focus on your sense of touch. Notice four things you can touch, bringing your attention to the temperature, texture, and weight. For example, the soft, cool feeling of your pillow as it absorbs cold air from your AC.
5. Focus on your sense of sound. Listen for three things you can hear. For example, the joyous laughter of neighborhood kids enjoying school-free days. Or perhaps the distant sound of a popular summer song. If you’re listening to music, what instruments do you hear?
6. Move on to your sense of smell and identify two things you can smell. You might breathe in deeply or just notice a faint scent—flowers that only bloom during the summer or sunscreen you applied this morning.
7. Finally, focus on your sense of taste. Notice one thing you can taste, whether it's the lingering taste of your toothpaste or a refreshing beverage you had a few moments ago.
As you go through each sense, try to stay present and non-judgmental. If your mind wanders, simply acknowledge it and gently refocus your attention on your senses.
Summer offers us a golden opportunity to reconnect with ourselves and nature while enveloped in warmth and sunshine. For some, it is a season of vacation and relaxation, while for others, it is a season of action and exploration. Our preferences, plans, and activities may differ, but we hope that we can all share in the goodness of the season.