Summer Brightness, Balance & Heart-Nourishing Care
Embracing Summer’s Fire Element
Summer has arrived in full force, bringing long days, bright skies, and more heat than we’re quite used to. There’s an intensity to this season, like everything has been turned up a little louder. In Five Element theory, summer represents the Fire element, the energy of the heart, connection, joy, and spirit.
This vibrant time invites us to open up, laugh freely, and be fully present with those around us. But as much as summer encourages us to shine, it also reminds us that fire needs balance. Too much heat, inside or out, can leave us feeling restless, overwhelmed, or burnt out.
The challenge is to find moments of coolness and stillness amid the brightness. Rest as deeply as you revel, and choose joy that nourishes rather than drains. When we care for our heart and spirit with attention and kindness, we can enjoy the season, fully radiant, grounded, and steady.
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Resting Well in the Summer Heat
Long, warm summer nights can sometimes make restful sleep elusive. In Five Element theory, the Fire element governs the heart and spirit, which need calm and balance to settle fully at night. When heat rises, sleep can be disturbed, leaving us feeling restless or wired.
Simple habits can help: keeping your bedroom cool, drinking calming herbal teas like chamomile or hibiscus, and winding down with gentle breathwork or meditation. Prioritising good sleep this season nourishes your heart and spirit, helping to keep your joy bright and steady.
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A Summer Mindfulness Moment
Summer’s bright light dancing on water can be a beautiful reminder to slow down. Taking a moment to watch sunlight flicker on a stream, a pond, or even your morning cup of tea invites you to be fully present.
This simple mindfulness practice aligns with the Fire Element’s call to connection and grounding, nourishing your heart and calming your spirit amid summer’s energy.
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Hibiscus & Goji Iced Tea — A Heart-Nourishing Recipe
One of my favourite ways to cool and nourish the heart during summer is with a simple Hibiscus & Goji Iced Tea. It’s naturally cooling, hydrating, and full of flavour.
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How to make it:
Steep a handful of dried hibiscus flowers and goji berries in hot water for 10–15 minutes. Chill, then serve over ice with fresh mint or lemon if you like.
You can find dried hibiscus in most health food shops, African and Caribbean supermarkets, or online from UK retailers such as Planet Organic, Buy Whole Foods Online, or Holland & Barrett.
Hibiscus supports heart health and cools the body, while goji berries nourish yin and vitality, a perfect balance for Fire season.
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A Sophisticated Summer Film to Watch: La Piscine
If you’re looking for a film that captures the mood of summer’s intensity and stillness, I highly recommend La Piscine (The Swimming Pool). This 1969 French classic, recently screened at the Barbican in London, perfectly evokes the slow heat of summer, all bright sunlight, simmering emotions, and elegant tension beneath the surface.
It’s a beautiful, stylish meditation on passion and presence, echoing the Fire Element’s energy and the season’s invitation to feel deeply while staying composed.
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Caring for Your Heart and Spirit This Summer
Summer is a time to open, connect, and celebrate, but also to care for yourself gently. If you’re feeling the heat, remember to find stillness, nourish your heart, and let your spirit shine steady and true.