For me, it feels like summer has arrived.
Not because the calendar clicked past December 1st.
Not because of the mangos and the Christmas tree stickers on every window, and the afternoon storms (the BEST) but because the days are longer. Because my body is waking me up earlier and earlier. Because often, I’m sitting at my computer, thinking it’s 4pm and when it’s actually closer to 7.
But perhaps the largest marker of Summer, for me, is the extreme and undeniable urge to Rest in the middle of the day.
Of course, it took me an eternity to realise I even had this urge. For many years I was too busy to even notice it. But now, not obligated to anyone else’s schedule, or my own endless hustling, I realise that at the suns peak, on not all, but many bright, summer days, all I want to do is lay down for a bit, and cover my eyes.
This is fact. This is reality. This is truth.
But.
Instagram tiles continuously shout at me that an energy dip in the afternoon is because I’m eating incorrectly or my hormones are misaligned.
People will say, I started doing X and now I have consistent energy all thought the day! YAY!
And I tell you what. I am super happy for Brenda.
But also.
I am not Brenda.
To be perfectly honest: I feel like my energy is pretty damn good. I feel very happy with my energy levels almost all of the time.
But what is also simultaneously true — my energy levels are not always consistent throughout the day.
The reality of my body is, especially during the summer months, I wake up earlier. I start work earlier. I finish work later. I wind down later. I go out more. I do more. I move more.
Maybe you do too.
In many ways, a long Restorative hold, a short nap, an entire glorious hour in bed around 2pm is just about one of the most balanced things I do, considering that, in the summer time, my day often extends an hour or two on either end.
And also: it just feels really, really good.
It works, when I let myself have it, every single time. By that I mean, I’m more productive, I’m happier, I’m more creative, I have more space to do the things I love (and the things I don’t, too).
And yet: there are days I have to remind myself that the tile on instagram doesn’t know my body better than I do.
Isn’t this insane?
So — the point of this story is not to convince you to nap in the middle of the day (as much as I recommend it) but more to remind you that strangers on the internet, usually don’t know your body better than you do.
No matter what Brenda says.
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I’ve been loving: it’s also definitely summer because I’ve pulled out this balm again. This has been on the favourites list for years and it’s my number one summer skin hydrator. A little goes a very long way!
I’ve been practicing: long held Restorative postures, daily, as part of this months theme in the studio.
I’ve been drinking: Japanese green tea. I’ve found it SO difficult to find an organic Japanese green tea that tastes as good as the supermarket brand Iyemon. I’ve tried a million. This one might be the best I’ve found in Australia so far.
I’ve been reading: I’ve just started Boudica, which is unlike anything I’ve ever been into or read but I suppose it might be my time to dive into the story of an ancient redheaded female warrior? So far it is extremely captivating and I can see myself losing an entire weekend within it.
I’ve been listening to: My spotify wrapped, of course. I also enjoyed this podcast episode with the ever enchanting Sophie Strand.
I’m excited about: A digital immersion for Generators & MGs coming up with my dear friend and emo MG to my sacral G, Amanda Norgaard, called INNER WORLD / OUTER WORLD. You can read all about it here.
With love and sunny afternoons doing nothing at all,
Emmie xo
Agreed! ☀️😴
I finally experimented with mid afternoon summer naps last year and oh my gosh! What a revelation! It still is a highlight memory of my summer - resting in bed with my puppy while the sun beams outside. Can’t wait to bring them back again soon 🤎