Living according to the seasons and the benefits.

Human beings are deeply connected to Nature, it is our root cause for being here on earth.

Earth is giving us everything we need to build and maintain our body, which is our vehicle in life and helps us move through this life experience.

Our body is made of the 4 elements, air, water, fire, metal which are together parts of Earth.

This is the main reason why it is very important to nourish our body with natural elements needed for a healthy living. Our body is a very sensible system which is balancing itself by selecting everything it needs to survive and thrive. It also disposes itself from waste if it is functioning well.

At the same time human beings are part of the cyclic patterns of the seasons. Every season has its own characteristics and manifestations. The seasons are also influenced by the forces of Yin and Yang, like everything in the Cosmos.

That is why we keep pointing at those forces in our teachings, because everything is influenced by them and knowing about them will make it possible to navigate through life with your body by adapting to the currents of life itself.

It is almost the same thing as reading a map, or choosing when to go out for your activities. You wish to pick the right timing for every activity you want to do. For example, if you wish to go on a summer holiday and bathe in the sun you will not pick a winter location for that. Some activities need dry weather, and you are not able to do them with rain.

Your body needs to be cared for in a “natural” way, to keep it fit and healthy. The body therefore needs to be in alignment with the seasons as well. At Chi-Full we are working on becoming in alignment with the energies of the moment (which is the season as well), helping you to become a master of your own Chi which means peace, balance and harmony in body mind and spirit. We continually bring our focus and attention to the current (circumstances) and flow with life itself.

Today we want to share a tip with regard to Summer heat, which is a Yang (Fire) energy and knows different gradations (from little to extreme). Right now the Northern Hemisphere is in Summer, the Southern Hemisphere is in Winter time (being complementary opposites of Yin and Yang on Earth).

We are experiencing extremities all over the world, we all could see that and sense it for ourselves at the place where we are At this moment. In the West we have a habit to go to beaches and sunbathing in swimwear to become nicely tanned. However, if we take a look at people in the desert, we can see that there is no way to lay in the desert in bikinis for a tan. We have to learn to adapt to those extremities, to be a guard for our own body and protect our energies from becoming depleted and drawn from us.

This is not something that is learned at school, we notice people performing activities that are harmful to the body and shortening the lifespan.

Living natural, means exactly what it says…living in accordance (alignment) with the seasons. Knowing that most artificial things are harmful to the body, even though they may seem handy, easy or helpful. The cold produced by an air-conditioning may feel pleasant, but at the same time it attacks the body's natural chi-movements. They could easily lead to disturbances and stagnation in health.

Focus at:

- breath (relaxed and natural breathing deep into the belly)

- relaxation

- hydration, drink enough pure and clear water

- balanced movement (no extremities, just keep your heart-rate at normal level)

- rest (take enough sleep, do not do that in the sun but withdraw yourself into the shade)

- food (plenty (watery) fruits and vegetables) to dispel heat from the body (but do not overdo with icy-cold foods)

- stay away from irritations, toxicity (other people can be toxic too)

These are things to focus as if you want to experience the results (harvest!) of a healthy Summer in Autumn and/or Winter. Your body will be grateful for that.

This is also what is meant with the saying: "You reap what you sow", just keep that in mind.

Shift your approach in every season, adapt yourself to the changes and take care of your own (individual) climate control. Become and stay balanced and healthy.

We are looking forward to your reviews and suggestions.

In Good Chi!