Dear Oprah,
Happy Summer!
It's Summer babies and the sun has spun its magic core and rays right round us full circle.
Celebrate it's path and reflect on your own full circle and path of your life. This is the longest day of the year and when the energy we put forth is as strong as the sun beating upon us.
It's also a great time of reflection and stripping down, literally of clothing and tasks as we put our energy towards opening the windows and our souls to fresh air and new possibilities.
Perhaps a new romance, a new book, a new career path?
The sun has made it's loop around the earth and any novice or expert will tell you that no path the sun makes around is a perfect circle or the same path each year.
Much like us as human beings. We make goals and have dreams but as we are on our path, those goals and dreams shift with us.
As we look back at our paths while looking ahead, fully lit but UVA protected, it is common for us to go full speed into the tapas or heat in Sanskrit, not the appetizers at your local hang out, and literally 'burn out'.
Take the time to conserve this new energy and reflection and keep yourself steady and strong, cool as we heat up.
I know, easier said then done. You want a strong yoga practice. You want to go out in your tank tops and strappy sandals and dance a glow go. Until you wake up the next morning sluggish and sore with blisters on your feet.
It's an exciting time, but spend that excitement wisely, because with that heat and passion and long days comes the flip side of the heat...anger, aggression, anxiety. Yup, even the party is fun until the hangover sets in.
In yoga, we have the science of Ayurveda and even for those unfamiliar its easy to understand that we as human beings like all beings survive with the seasons. Our bodies are seasons and what we do and what we put into our bodies aligns with the seasons. It's no wonder that in the winter we crave comfort foods from warm soups to hot cocoa and mac n' cheese. Go for the latter to stay in balance. In the summer we crave sweet fruits like melon and veggies like cucumbers and mixed greens and yes, sangria and ice cream. Indulge if you must but go with where nature naturally leads you - the healthy choice - to stay in balance. Opt for a more restorative or gentle and slow Vinyasa practice, walks instead of runs. Go mild in the heat and you will still burn calories and be peaceful conserving your energy for more fun things like swing dancing at the 3rd Street Promenade or Lincoln Center.

We have an opportunity now to use nature to lead us down the right path. We have longer days to do so.
Obligations are at half because our focus leads us out doors away from school and the office. Follow that distraction, but follow it with purpose to enjoy what nature has provided and play. Come back to childhood and the playfulness of 'just a few more minutes, Mom!' as you wander down a longer block on your after work walk. Add a skip to your step to raise your heart rate but only add a few, then take it down to a stroll. Add some Gaga to your playlist and a curl of your mouth upwards as you pass a stranger. Actually stop to smell the Jasmine or watch the kids play in the fountains of NYC parks.

When I was in NY last week, I forgot about all the summer street fairs, the shoes tied on wires and the smell of grilling corn cobbs and barbeques. I love the kids playing in the streets till dusk. I don't see that too much in LA. I also forgot about the sweat that collects under my boobs. Only in NY. I know, TMI, but the humidity, oy! I know I'm not alone. But I love it and miss it. Shower only to get wet in the humidity of NYC!!

In Los Angeles, we have the most fragrant flowers to enjoy now. Now is the time.

Now is the time to look at all the hard work you do throughout the year and take stock of what you are passionate about. Ask yourself, are you going around in the path that you feel 'summer fabulous' about? Or, do you need to shift direction.
When summer closes the doors and turns off the ac and we start retreating into autumn, we go back into heavy work mode till the end of the year. School starts and deadlines are heavy. We are back in the rat race, firmer schedules and plans in addition to cooler weather and introspection. Our bodies actually slow down after the summer even though we 'gear up' to close down towards the holidays.
They are right around the corner my friends.
So, enjoy the time you have now...more than any season.
The energy you put forth now is the highest it will be. The sun is the closest it will be. Use the brightness to reflect your own greatest light and purpose. Do not waste it or spend it swiftly.
Savor it and let it glide upon you like Coppertone.
Glistening,
Lady Yoga