Lunar Calendar

The Chinese calendar is based on the Moon phases rather than the Sun. The moon affects our energy and our moods, our hormones and the tides. Some of us are more sensitive to this than others. Whether you notice it or not, it makes a difference in our performance. Dr Christine Chang shared the "2016 Chinese Farmer’s Calendar - Nong Min Li - 24 season Almanac" with us in Chinese Nutrition Class last night. When the moon phase changes the energy of Heaven and Earth interchange. On those days we tend to experience low energy, poor immune response and weak digestion. If we meditate during that time we can harbor the energy we have stored over the preceding two weeks and retain its benefit as a resource. The next exchange day is July 7th, so sit down and meditate at noon, don't be on the look out for variations in the mind or energy, just meditate - unless you have a very strong practice meaning you have been meditating eight hours daily for several months or years! Any excuse to meditate is good, but this one may be more beneficial than others.

July 7th is Xiao Shu, Minor Heat. A good time to eat salads dressed with vinegar to astringe the body fluids and yin and essence. Most of the time we advise against cold raw foods but the heat of summer is balanced by cold-natured foods for those with healthy spleens/digestion. Don't overdo it and still avoid frozen foods, especially ice cream. This is just common sense, but hard for those of us raised on cold american desserts. The best way I have found to deal with the cravings brought about by stories we tell ourselves and advertising that brings them up is substitution. Use something more healthy and less damaging. That doesn't work for everyone, find your own way, but don't be a victim of Big Agriculture and Big Pharmaceuticals. Take hold of your life, it's the only thing you have.