The Medicine of Subtraction

Summer is naturally a time of outdoor time and socializing, fullness and business. I imagine it will be especially this after so much space and quiet over the last year.

Though busy can be beautiful, it's more likely that you overbook yourself - sometimes to the point of frustration, exhaustion and even burnout. In past years, I felt less creative and motivated in the fall. I tended to do too much over the summer and felt depleted when it was over. I decided I needed a better way to manage my energy to help me feel balanced all year round.

One thing I love about Ayurveda is that it's a medicine of subtraction. When there's too much of something, we know exactly what to do: reduce it in order to come back to our baseline. When there's too much heat and fiery emotions bubble up in the summer - think irritability and anger - subtract something to make more space for sweetness and stillness.

This summer, I invite you to take time for yourself by letting go of something that you're not very excited about. Is there something you can eliminate or take off your plate? Can you do it with compassion and in turn create more kindness for yourself?