Hi Reader,

As I write this, we're standing right at the threshold of summer.

The days are longer. The sun is stronger. Schedules seem to get busier. Children are finishing school, vacations are being planned, and many of us are feeling pulled outward after the quieter rhythms of winter and spring.

In Ayurveda, this seasonal transition is important.

Summer is associated with the qualities of heat (even in the cooler San Francisco climate), intensity, brightness, and activity. These qualities can be wonderful—we often feel more energetic, social, and inspired this time of year. But when we accumulate too much heat, we can also become impatient, irritable, inflamed, overheated, or exhausted.

One of my favorite Ayurvedic practices for early summer is surprisingly simple:

Take a few minutes outside in the early morning.

Not for exercise.
Not to answer emails.
Not while scrolling your phone.

Just step outside.

Drink your tea. Sit on the porch. Take a short walk around your neighborhood. Water your plants. Listen to the birds.

I often open my front door and step outside, then take a quiet loop around my neighborhood before the day begins. That simple rhythm of movement and fresh air can be incredibly grounding.

Ayurveda teaches that the early morning hours are naturally calm, cool, and grounding. Spending even five or ten minutes outdoors before the day gains momentum helps regulate the nervous system and gently aligns us with nature's rhythms.

Many people think wellness requires adding more things to their already busy schedules.

Often, it is the opposite.

The most powerful practices are the simplest ones.

A few quiet moments outside before the heat and activity of the day begin can help us feel more settled, clear-headed, and connected.

For Pregnant Mothers

Pregnancy naturally creates additional warmth in the body. During the summer months, many pregnant women notice they feel hotter, thirstier, or more fatigued than usual.

This early morning outdoor practice can be especially supportive during pregnancy.

If possible, sit outside before breakfast with a glass of water or herbal tea. Feel the coolness of the morning air. Notice the sounds around you. Allow yourself a few moments without needing to accomplish anything.

These small pauses are not a luxury.
They are nourishment.

A Gift for Expectant Mothers

As part of my Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training, I will be offering four free prenatal yoga classes this month:

Saturday, June 13 • 3:00–4:00 PM
Sunday, June 14 • 3:00–4:00 PM
Saturday, June 20 • 3:00–4:00 PM
Sunday, June 21 • 3:00–4:00 PM

These classes are open to pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy. They are a wonderful opportunity to experience prenatal yoga, connect with your baby, and learn practices that support a healthy pregnancy and birth.

If you or someone you know is expecting, reserve your spot here:
​https://folksf.com/classes/​

Wishing you a beautiful beginning to summer,

Marisa