END OF SUMMER

I used to feel a little melancholy around my birthday. As a kid, I always lamented going back to school after a delicious summer break. I loved staying up late, swimming, biking, living off popsicles and potato salad, and my end-of-August birthday signified the end of that. There is a change in the air that happens in late August. Everything gets a yellow tinge, and some nights begin to cool off. My father would say, “It smells like September”, and I would be annoyed by it.

As I have gotten older, I embrace the slow slide into September. I relish the idea of slowing down a bit and easing back into a school-year routine. As a mom, it means polishing the schedule, packing up the summer stuff, and pulling out the hoodies. As a massage therapist, it means switching up my routine. I bring out the table’s heating pad, add my plush blanket, and crank up my oil warmer. I bring forth oils such as Clove and Cinnamon to warm muscles and spirits. And I slow down.

In TCM, this transition eases us from the heat of the Heart shine.

I have long felt that the change of seasons is a perfect time to receive massage therapy. If clients are unable to come monthly, I always recommend at least four times a year at the season switch. It is a powerful way to support the transition and a reminder to honor ourselves through all the seasons of our lives.

And with that in mind, I will honor myself on this upcoming birthday, and wish you all a wonderful end to summer.