The Quickest Way to Restore Your Energy and Reset Your Nervous System

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My last post was all about establishing my new habit (new rhythm) of going to the gym. 

Late summer, the phase of the earth element (the digestive organs), is a time where routines are notoriously wonky. The deep molasses-like humidity slows us down, and we’ve probably been a bit sloppy in our routines given the benefit of those extra-long summer days.

For the past few weeks, I’ve been taking a fantastic 50-hour “Essential Ayurveda” training. 

Ayurveda, “Life Wisdom,” a 5,000 year old system of wellbeing from India, forms the philosophical guidelines of yoga, the why and the how of yoga practices. 

With deep roots in Early Buddhism, which align perfectly with my training in Zen, there is some evidence that Ayurveda might be a precursor to the Chinese/East Asian medicine tradition of acupuncture that I practice now. 

In this training, we’ve been talking a lot about rhythms. Rhythms within the body, the daily sleep-wake rhythm, seasonal rhythms, and the rhythm of the breath.  

The breath is the shortest unit of rhythm we’ve been studying, and I’ve been remembering just how profound every breath is. 

Lasting only a few seconds, the breath is the most instantaneous and direct access to our nervous system, and any time you’re feeling agitated or angry, you can always access your breath to return to the vast potential of right now. 

The late summer in Acupuncture theory is governed by the Tai Yin system of the Lung and the Spleen. The Lung sets the rhythm for the entire body, for our nervous systems, endocrine systems, immune systems, and even the cardiovascular system is governed by the rhythm of our slow, steady breath. 

The partner of the Lung in this way of thinking is the Spleen. In Chinese Medicine theory, the Spleen works with the Lung to digest and metabolize food and other sensory inputs like our thoughts. 

Together, the Lung and the Spleen set the rhythm for our wellbeing by governing digestion and respiration, by transforming everything we receive. 

It’s common during this time of year to feel literally “bogged down.” The Spleen especially is sensitive to dampness, and so this wet heavy air can make us feel heavy, physically and energetically.

If you’ve been feeling heavy, sluggish, tired or dull, I invite you to return to your breath. To fill then empty your lungs, to make space for what’s new.

This is also an excellent time of year to steam or lightly boil or make thin easy-to-digest soups and stews. Raw, cold food will make your Spleen work even harder during a time of year when your GI system might already be a bit sluggish. 

If you’re feeling bloated or tired, if you’re feeling scattered or fuzzy, or maybe you have heavy legs or loose poops, this advice becomes especially important. Miso soup, oatmeal, broth, simple meals, or cooked veggies and grains will get you back on track to recover in the wet heat of August. 

And if you’re feeling stagnant or stuck, consider booking an acupuncture session. Haven’t been in for awhile? No problem! Seasonal (or personal) transitions are always a great time to come back in. Reach out to schedule.

If you’re looking to reset your breath, my pay-from-the-heart (donation-based) at-home restorative yoga class is this Sunday July 26th from 10am-11:15am on zoom. We will have a special practice to help you restore heavy legs or limbs. 

If you’ve never registered before, you can do so here to receive the zoom link. If you have come in the past, you will receive a reminder with the link again. I’m playing with the rhythm of how and when I send reminders for these workshops, so please bear with me and give me feedback about if the reminders feel too frequent or are ill-timed.

Can’t make it July 26th? I’m offering another at-home restorative Thursday August 20th at 7-8:15pm on Zoom. I’m playing around with sending out a calendar invite for that session, so just let me know if you want that as a placeholder (even if you aren’t sure you can come).

May you stay buoyant and free this late summer season.

Monica

PS: Summer got you feeling worn-down or frayed? Join me at my next at-home restorative yoga practice on SUNDAY July 26th at 10am! Details here.