June is a slip into summer…
The days are longer, the nights are warmer, the fragrant flowers are everywhere, and the June birds are singing….
The June birds are singing? Yes, as a matter of fact birds sing more from late May to mid-June during what is their mating season.
And what are they singing about? Yes- it’s time to get intimate! The male birds have traveled north and arrived early to build their nests, and now call to out to their female counterparts to join them on this journey of their life cycle.
If the female bird finds them attractive, they will respond. They will?!?
Interestingly, for years, we thought it was only the male birds’ songs that we hear, but new research indicates that female birds sing as well- and their song is a clear communication to potential mates that they are all ready to ‘bunker down’, and “Why don’t you come up and see me sometime, big boy”
Isn’t it interesting that as we start feeling better about our situations, our desire to share that feeling with others is heightened? Just like the desire for birds to mate, reproduce and have families, in the spring to summer months, we are prone to more amorous feelings as the weather gets warmer. Several scientific studies have shown that warmer body temperatures often lead to feelings of connection and attraction.
Maybe it’s the weather or maybe it’s the feeling of happiness when we are in the sun? Maybe we just really enjoy connecting to others in this season?
New scientific research has even discovered that different hormones peak during different seasons. Our reproduction hormones tend to peak late winter into spring. Move over birdie! Moreover, our serotonin levels are also elevated during the summer months with more exposure to sun light. With this higher dose, we can feel more confident in our skin, more able to open up and share with others. This hormone also creates feelings of loyalty, which may engender trust and open honesty. Hormonal changes such as these can increase our desire to connect with others. Biologically, we are social creatures and it is vital to our survival, our health and our well-being, to have solid connections with a close, core group of people in which we can allow ourselves to be intimate and vulnerable with.
Communication is at the core of these connections.
HeartMath Institute is a nonprofit organization that scientifically researches the ways in which the heart effects people and uses cutting edge technologies to develop practical solutions for improved physical, emotional, and mental well-being. HeartMath sites three important layers to heart to heart communication.
- Listen to the Words: Listen carefully when you are having a deep, one on one conversation. You want to make sure that you are really present on an intimate level. Listen to the words that your partner or friend is saying. What words are they using? How are they using them? Sometimes we interpret words differently than how they are intended. Listen carefully and don’t interject any other meanings.
- Listen for the Feelings: When your partner is speaking, what feelings are they conveying? Can you sense the emotion that is coming through the words? Sometimes it’s subtle. Sometimes it’s not so subtle. Feel in to what they could be feeling and see if you can empathize with those feelings.
- Embrace the Conversation: They are communicating deep and meaningful thoughts, insights and emotions. When we can truly be intimate in sharing our thoughts and feelings, we allow ourselves to be vulnerable. Be present with your partner, let them be heard, listen with an open heart, and don’t make assumptions. Try to hear with “open ears”.
These techniques are truly valuable for eliciting the sense of connection and communion that allow our deepest thoughts and feelings to come forward. If you have struggled with having a conversation with someone or if someone is coming to you with a tough subject that they need to talk about, try these techniques. See how they work for you. See what comes of this unique and powerful way of communicating from the heart’s center.
And check in with your self-talk. Negative self-talk can get in the way of intimacy, vulnerability, love, emotions, a sense of bonding, and true companionship.
It can also get in the way of your own self-care and even hinder any attempt at meditation. I have heard from so many that their biggest meditation obstacle is their constant mind chatter. This is not a meditation problem, this is a self-talk problem. In my next blog I discuss what happens when our self-talk gets out of control. We also talk about poop, Geraldo, iPhones named Rossa, swimming pools, and good vibrations. Look for it June 21st….
Enjoy this wonderful moment and soak it all in…
Be happy
Be blessed
Be love
~Shana
Footnotes:
- Matt Wilkins, Lauryn Benedict(November 26, 2021). Why We Didn’t Know That Female Birds Sing. Retrieved from scientificamerican.com/article/why-it-took-so-long-to-appreciate-female-birds-song
- Jason Whiting Ph.D. (May 3, 2017). ‘You Are Hot!’ The Strange Link Between Body Heat and Love : How physical temperature has a literal connection to your relationship. retrieved from: www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/love-lies-and-conflict/201705/you-are-hot-the-strange-link-between-body-heat-and-love?amp·
- Lynda Liu (1999 WebMD) Summer Sun for Winter Blues: Basking in the sun for depression? Retrieved from www.webmd.com/depression/features/summer-sun-winter-blues
A Good Day to Have Today.
( old blog post from October 2019) Today is the perfect autumn day. Sunny, cool but not cold, foliage filled with firey colors, a crispness to the air. Take it in. This moment. Stand barefoot outside for a few mins. Bask in the sun rays. Count your blessings. Enjoy...
What the Retrograde???
(Post From August 2018~ Retrograde coming Soon! 1/13/2022~ Get ready:) Some terms get thrown around a lot and Mercury retrograde is one of them. Mercury retrograde, you’ve probably heard of it, but what does it mean? All the planets in our solar system move across the...
Pumpkins and Spice and Everything Nice….
(My blog from October 2019- still great info!:) Pumpkins and spice and everything nice! Yes, that’s what the fall is made of!! That and… Cold season. Yes, cold season. Yuck. The dreaded, blowing nose, coughing, sneezing, sanitizing and “fluie” season. And anyone...
9/30 – Yoga in the park
Join me for a restorative yoga practice in the park Where: Date: Time: Cost:
Related posts…
Discover Your Inner Wisdom: A Beginner’s Guide to Intuition and Feeling Your Vibes
In astrological terms, this is the start of a new year. We go from the heavenly and spiritual energy of Pisces; the slow watery sign that dreams and imagines, that is not so tied to this earthly plane as it is to the next, and lives half beyond the veil, to the Aries’ abrupt, rising, warrior energy.
Most of the ancient and modern astrologers agree that the year’s wheel is a metaphor to the lifecycle. We start out as babies with the high intensive energy of Aries, and make our way until we are in our later years (i.e. months) with the ending of the year in the wise, twinkling and elder spirit of Pisces.
The Aries temperament is similar to a young child’s in that it is fresh and vibrant, it has no fear, it goes after what it wants, it cries when it doesn’t get it -but- gets right back up again! This temperament may get angry, however, Aries has taught us to use that anger for production, and never to hold onto it.
…There are various other cultures and traditions that attach characteristics, emotions, energy, colors, and, even, taste and sounds to these transitional times. But, the majority would agree that this is the most impactful time of year, full of metamorphoses and change: the time leaving winter and entering spring. The opposition of these two seasonal energies create a vortex of possibilities in each of our lives…
Full and Freaky: the Lunar Eclipse Full Moon
In astrological terms, this is the start of a new year. We go from the heavenly and spiritual energy of Pisces; the slow watery sign that dreams and imagines, that is not so tied to this earthly plane as it is to the next, and lives half beyond the veil, to the Aries’ abrupt, rising, warrior energy.
Most of the ancient and modern astrologers agree that the year’s wheel is a metaphor to the lifecycle. We start out as babies with the high intensive energy of Aries, and make our way until we are in our later years (i.e. months) with the ending of the year in the wise, twinkling and elder spirit of Pisces.
The Aries temperament is similar to a young child’s in that it is fresh and vibrant, it has no fear, it goes after what it wants, it cries when it doesn’t get it -but- gets right back up again! This temperament may get angry, however, Aries has taught us to use that anger for production, and never to hold onto it.
…There are various other cultures and traditions that attach characteristics, emotions, energy, colors, and, even, taste and sounds to these transitional times. But, the majority would agree that this is the most impactful time of year, full of metamorphoses and change: the time leaving winter and entering spring. The opposition of these two seasonal energies create a vortex of possibilities in each of our lives…
Happy New Year! The Vernal Equinox and WHY its the BEST Time to Start Again…
In astrological terms, this is the start of a new year. We go from the heavenly and spiritual energy of Pisces; the slow watery sign that dreams and imagines, that is not so tied to this earthly plane as it is to the next, and lives half beyond the veil, to the Aries’ abrupt, rising, warrior energy.
Most of the ancient and modern astrologers agree that the year’s wheel is a metaphor to the lifecycle. We start out as babies with the high intensive energy of Aries, and make our way until we are in our later years (i.e. months) with the ending of the year in the wise, twinkling and elder spirit of Pisces.
The Aries temperament is similar to a young child’s in that it is fresh and vibrant, it has no fear, it goes after what it wants, it cries when it doesn’t get it -but- gets right back up again! This temperament may get angry, however, Aries has taught us to use that anger for production, and never to hold onto it.
…There are various other cultures and traditions that attach characteristics, emotions, energy, colors, and, even, taste and sounds to these transitional times. But, the majority would agree that this is the most impactful time of year, full of metamorphoses and change: the time leaving winter and entering spring. The opposition of these two seasonal energies create a vortex of possibilities in each of our lives…
“Find Your Why and You Will Find Your Way”
It’s so important to KNOW without a shadow of a doubt what FILLS YOUR CUP and keeps your heart smiling, even when stress is out of control and sh*t hits the fan. It’s times like these , we get thrown off track, get hit from the side, lose the wind from our sails. Too many of these blows, can knock us down for the count. But there is always a way to get back up. And sometimes that means finding your true north, seeing what is important and going the distance. Getting back up means getting in touch with your ‘WHY’
to me
Word of the year: FLOW
2022 taught me a lot. It was tougher than I thought it would be , wasn’t it?? After all we’d been through in 2020 & 2021 most of us thought 2022 would be a walk in the park. But honestly- I don’t know anyone who felt that was.
The world was maybe only very slightly calmer- at least from my perspective- but my inner landscape was vexed. Things came up , situations changed, and topsy -turvy feelings became the norm. And this was the universal sentiment that seemed to rock our worlds- both outer and inner but mostly the former.
There were some larger energetic shifts that impacted us all,but, regardless of that, we all felt the awareness that there was still work to be done. This made me realize: sometimes things happen at their own speed, in their own due time. I am not in control, even as much as I wish I was, or as much as I try working hard to be. I can’t force anything- life can change and impact us -on a macro or micro scale – at any moment. It just is what it is….
And now I truly get that. My son having difficulties has really shown me how we can’t force things to happen. He is going at his own pace, not one imposed upon by me. He is doing the best he can. All I can do is pray, set intentions and ask for help when I need it. BUT I can’t force him on any level to go any faster to do any “better” even though my WILL, my ego might want him to.I need to be in the FLOW. The flow of my outer life and unexpected circumstances that may arise, as well as my inner life- flowing with my feelings, thoughts, passions and purpose- as well as my shadow side.
And now I truly get that. My son having difficulties has really shown me how we can’t force things to happen. He is going at his own pace, not one imposed upon by me. He is doing the best he can. All I can do is pray, set intentions and ask for help when I need it. BUT I can’t force him on any level to go any faster to do any “better” even though my WILL, my ego might want him to….I need to be in the FLOW. The flow of my outer life and unexpected circumstances that may arise, as well as my inner life- flowing with my feelings, thoughts, passions and purpose- as well as my shadow side.
About the Author…
Shana is a New Yorker and a native to Long Island’s east end. A lifelong passion in food, health and wellness led her to become an advanced 500 hour registered Yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance, a Licensed Body Worker, a trained Herbalist, a Reiki and PEMF (Pulse Electro-Magnetic Field) Practitioner.
She has studied abroad in India, as well as studying functional and integrative nutrition at IIN (Institute of Integrated Nutrition), is a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), and Certified Hypno-counselor.
She is well versed in ancient theologies and eastern healing systems such as acupuncture and Ayurveda. Working with these philosophies, and integrating holistic nutrition, yoga and meditation is how she serves and supports her clients to heal and transform their lives. Shana currently lives in Northport, NY where she works as a Holistic Coach.
Did you know Meditation can reduce insomnia by 75%?
It can reduce anxiety by 60%?
It increases heart, hormonal and gut health!!
The problem is… whenever you’ve tried it, a voice goes off in your head and the laundry list of to-dos rattles off, or there’s the train you need to catch or the dog that has to go out or the kid that’s late for school. Sound familiar
That’s why I made this FREE Yoga Nidra recording.
To make meditation EASY, ENJOYABLE and DOABLE so that you can gain ALL those benefits by literally just lying there! An easy first step to ultimate health.
Start with an “ahh….”