July starts off with a bang on Independence Day as Americans celebrate their love of freedom. For me, the longer, lazier days of summer inspire gatherings on the beach at sunset, and relishing in the occasional cooling rainstorm. Other off-season perks include less crowded roadways and better chances of nabbing a table at our favorite restaurant or booking a last-minute massage. After spending some 40 summers here, I’ve grown accustomed to the rhythms of the day, often determined by the temperature outside. But we needn’t complain about the heat; it’s sweltering in other parts of the country, too! 

I discovered why I am better suited to warmer climates years ago, when I began learning about Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest whole-body healing systems. I was fortunate to be a guest at the Rasayana Cove Ayurvedic Retreat with Julia and Dinesh Mader on their 25-acre natural preserve in the woods of central Florida (AyurvedicRetreat.com). Through extensive questions and other unique diagnostic aids, Julia determined my dosha and designed a healing program specifically for me. 

She taught me that the body is made up of three life forces, or energies, called doshas, that control how our body works: vata dosha (space and air); pitta dosha (fire and water); and kapha dosha (water and earth). We each inherit a unique mix of the three doshas, and one is usually stronger than the others. Because Julia was so attuned to Ayurvedic body types, she likely determined quite quickly that my strongest dosha is vata, given my slim and lightweight physique. 

Julia tailored all my meals with foods and spices specific for my dosha, while teaching me ways to change my lifestyle to create more balance and harmony. She pampered me with Ayurvedic body treatments and gave me plenty of time to rest and meditate in my bucolic cabin. Maybe it’s time to schedule another retreat! 

Eating seasonally is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic practices, which is rooted in a deep connection with nature. In our feature story “Ayurvedic Seasonal Eating: How to Balance Doshas with the Right Foods”, Carrie Jackson writes, “Seasonal eating teaches us to wait for the right time and not rush nature. We can look forward to watermelon in the summer and Brussels sprouts in the winter. We learn to cultivate deep gratitude and respect for the land and all it provides for us. It fosters deep stewardship for the Earth.” (See page 24) 

In addition to caring for our planet, it is imperative to be intentionally kind and compassionate. In “The Kindness Cure: Helping Ourselves by Helping Others”, on page 28, Maya Whitman reports that acts of kindness are more effective in reducing anxiety and depressive disorders than cognitive behavioral therapy. 

I encourage you to be kind to yourself and others this month. Take a friend to the beach and dip your toes into the Gulf. Bless the water, ask it to be kind and remain calm this hurricane season. 

Happy Summering,

Sharon Bruckman