A focus on Looking Toward Nature
While our modern society can trick us into believing that we are not part of the natural world, Pa Kua practitioners hopefully know better. Our practice teaches us how to become more aware of the energetic nature of different things, including the seasons. As we enter the hottest months of the year, it is important that we look to the natural world for guidance on how we should move, think, and interact with our environment.
Our modern society has created many arbitrary systems which force us to differ from the energy of the natural world. How many times have you felt yourself getting sleepy in the afternoon and considered taking a nap? That’s because we should all be napping during the high heat of the day. You need only look at your own household pets to see the truth in this. If left to their own instincts, they will be most active in the early morning and evenings. In an ideal world, this is when you would be most active as well. It may be that your job, family, or obligations make this impossible, however, there are probably also times when you are trying to do something that might be more successful at another time of day. Ask yourself if there is any room in your life to more closely align yourself with the natural rhythms of the day.
Along with these systems comes our desire to control our own physical environment. Especially in California, some of us spend all day and night in air conditioning. This can be very hard on your body. The air these units produce is dry and contains many toxins. In addition, transitioning from these artificially cold environments to the natural temperature is shocking to your system. As a result, you may feel your throat become sore or scratchy, and you can even develop a cold. It also makes the heat worse when your body is not able to regulate it naturally.
Remember, sweating is an important and healthy bodily function. It helps us to rid the body of toxins and promotes good blood flow. If you are going to use air conditioning, it’s best to set your unit to no less than 75 degrees and use it sparingly. Finally, make sure to shower or rinse often. Your skin is one giant membrane and will quickly reabsorb the things it has purged when you sweat. If you don’t have access to a shower, it can be a good idea to carry a towel and use a sink to rinse as much of your body as possible.
Our Pa Kua training helps us to understand, and live in harmony with, the natural world. We also understand that there is a price to be paid for everything we do. We are bound by certain societal obligations that don’t always help us to stay close to a natural environment. Most people don’t have the freedom to drop everything and take a nap in the middle of the day, even if it might be healthy. What is most important is the awareness of your own energetic state and finding ways in which you can live in alignment with the natural world. When you aren’t sure, remember to look to nature for guidance. This will help you stay balanced and energized through the hottest part of the year.
