The Dog Days of Summer
The “Dog Days of Summer”… are upon us. According to Wikipedia: “The dog days or dog days of summer are the hot, sultry days of summer. They were historically the period following the heliacal rising of the star system Sirius, which Hellenistic astrology connected with heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, mad dogs, and bad luck.”
The phrase is actually a reference to the fact that, during this time, the Sun occupies the same region of the sky as Sirius, the brightest star visible from any part of Earth and part of the constellation Canis Major, the Greater Dog.
All I know… is we feel overly tired, very hot and dry… and loss of energy and appetite seem to be common. Even though “exercising” seems counter-intuitive, it is probably the best thing we can do for ourselves. Creating energy in the mind, the body and the emotions to make it through these “dog days of summer”…without overdoing it to the point of exhaustion. I like slow, relaxing - flows in yoga…. Walking early in the mornings when it is still cool outside… or of course, exercising inside (I work out and teach at the YMCA – so I have access to a cool location)…. But for the most part…. Keeping the routine if possible. Find ways to keep including that aerobic exercise, (In a nutshell, the term aerobic means "with oxygen." Aerobic exercise and activities are also called cardio, short for "cardiovascular." During aerobic activity, you repeatedly move large muscles in your arms, legs and hips. ... Your heart rate increases and you breathe faster and more deeply.) As well as, stretching and toning like Pilates or Yoga and even strength training (weight lifting). All YMCA’s have staff on hand to help you figure out what classes might be best for your needs. If you aren’t a member… this is a great time to become one. Our facilities are VERY clean, class sizes are limited (for social distancing purposes) and there may be special promotions to entice you to join.
In the hot, sultry summer, I like to keep our nutritional requirements light and “local” (fresh fruits and vegetables from farmer’s markets, friends who grow them, and road side vendors) Enjoy dinners that are cool and refreshing are my first choice when planning a meal. We certainly don’t want to turn the hot oven on every night and heat up your house (I don’t have air conditioning, so it really does heat us up!)
Take more opportunities to enjoy the season. Sojourns to the beach or the mountains for some change of scenery and relaxation is a great way to spend these last few weeks before the weather begins to cool (or maybe kids/grandchildren returning to school). Find some outdoor venues to refresh the spirit with music or picnicking or a festival (“social distancing” of course). I will be leading an outdoor yoga class again, on the 15th of August – out at Hells Canyon Winery/Zhoo Zhoo Wines – beginning at 10:00am – until 12:Noon to enjoy those slow yoga flows and wine tastings + treats for snacking. Call or email the winery to make a reservation. I would love to see you there in the cool, relaxing morning air, looking out over the vineyards toward the Snake River and Owyhee Mountains….the view alone can relieve tightness and tension throughout your body.
Email: info@zhoozhoo.com Winery: (208) 454-3300
Take care my friends…even though the summer of 2020 will go down in the books as a very unusual one, because of the Covid 19 Pandemic, we can create positive memories, enjoy the summer season and find something to be grateful for. Namaste’
