Summer Solstice and Shen: Time to Take Action
Summer Solstice & Action
Can you believe the summer solstice arrives on June 20? We’ve been waiting for the longest day of the year and the official start of summer. It’s the apex of light in the Northern Hemisphere and a natural point of expansion. The summer solstice gives us space to pause and look clearly at where we are, and what we’re ready to do next.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), summer is ruled by the Fire element. It governs the Heart and Small Intestine, organs that do more than their physiological roles. In TCM, the Heart houses the “Shen,” or spirit. When the Fire element is balanced, we feel connected and inspired. When it’s not, we may feel scattered, restless, or emotionally overheated.
Consider this a turning point to at long last, initiate those healthy habits and make big changes, the ones that felt impossible during the winter months.
Summer is when Yang energy is at its peak—fast, vibrant, and full of forward momentum. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we are a part of nature, not separate from it. We can embrace this fiery, passionate energy to make the changes to carry us forward with our best selves.
Here’s a simple, proactive way to tap into this energy:
Take Account of What You’ve Accomplished So Far
Grab a notebook or your phone and list what you’ve actually accomplished so far this year. Be honest and specific. What goals have you moved forward? What habits have shifted? Celebrate the wins—even the small ones.
Choose What to Prioritize
From that list, pick one or two things that feel ready to move forward now. Summer’s energy supports momentum, so this is your moment to act with focus, not overwhelm.
Protect Your Heart Energy
Summer in TCM centers on the Heart and Fire element. This means balancing excitement with self-care. Set clear boundaries around your energy—go to bed a bit earlier, hydrate consistently, and choose cooling, easy foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and bitter greens to keep your body balanced.
Schedule Rest Breaks
Don’t skip rest during the heat of the day. Build in a 20-30 minute pause around midday—whether it’s a quiet moment in the shade, a short meditation, or simply closing your eyes and breathing deeply.
Connect Intentionally
Summer’s long days create natural opportunities to engage with others. Plan at least one social activity each week—whether it’s a walk with a friend, an outdoor meal with family, or joining a community event. These connections aren’t just fun; they strengthen your emotional and energetic health.
Integrate Habits into Community
If you’re working on new routines—like moving your body, practicing mindfulness, or improving your diet—invite someone to join you or share your progress. TCM sees emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness as linked, and community support makes habits stick.
Use the Solstice as a Checkpoint
The summer solstice is a powerful reminder to pause and realign. Mark the day by journaling your intentions, setting a clear goal for the coming weeks, or simply reflecting on what’s alive in you now. Let go of pressure and focus on presence. For me, I like to clear the past and determine who and what is staying or going for this second half of the year.
Embrace the Summer Season
They key is to move with the natural energy of summer rather than against it. You don’t have to do everything at once. Just start with what feels most alive and let that momentum carry you forward. As I always like to say, crawl, walk, run.
The more we live in rhythm with the seasons, the less we need to force change. Summer shows us how much is already growing. Our work is to nourish what’s already begun, take thoughtful action, and stay connected—to the body, to the breath, and to one another.
If you want help embracing the energy of the summer, be sure to sign up for our 3 week program, Summer Refresh!
