MAY FLOWERS: RENEWAL + REVIVAL
Although April showers may be following us into May, let’s embrace this new month with the understanding that we can’t enjoy bright blooms without grey days. Each passing day the sun sets a few minutes later, the perennials are boldly pushing their way up through the soil, and the birds are chirping sweet melodies when you listen just a little closer.
The revival of spring mixed with the anticipation of soon-approaching summer is a beautiful reminder of life’s unrelenting cycle of transformation. Just as a caterpillar emerges from its chrysalis as a butterfly, we also have the opportunity to shed the old and embrace the new, to unfurl our wings and soar to new heights.
ELEMENT: Air
EMOTION: Inspiration
DIRECTION: East
COLOR: Pastels
TASTE: Fresh and crisp
Following the tenets of Traditional Chinese Medicine, we look to various sensations + outlooks to interlace us with the time we are in, in a similar sense to eating produce that’s in-season. This May we’re connecting with the element of Air, inviting inspiration and creativity to flow freely.
Turning our gaze to the East, we can energetically + emotionally align ourselves with the direction of dawn; where the sun rises and leads us to opening our hearts to the essence of new beginnings and fresh starts.
Incorporating pastel hues into our surroundings and meals invites us to bask in the delicate beauty of springtime. From the soft pink petals of cherry blossoms to the pale blue skies of early morning, we’re inspired to infuse our lives with a sense of serenity and grace.
And as we indulge in the crisp flavors of seasonal produce, we nourish not only our bodies but also our minds. From crunchy snap peas to juicy strawberries, each bite is a celebration of life's abundance, a reminder of the endless cycle of growth and renewal.
TO PRACTICE
+ NATURE WALKS - Take a leisurely stroll through a local park or around your neighborhood, allowing yourself to be fully present in the moment and to connect with the beauty of the natural world. Limit digital distractions to take it to the next level ;)
+ JOURNALING - Set aside time each day to reflect on your thoughts and feelings, allowing your innermost thoughts to flow freely onto the page. Embrace the power of self-expression as a tool for personal growth and self-discovery.
+ YOGA - Practice gentle, restorative yoga poses that focus on opening the heart and expanding the breath, allowing energy to flow freely throughout your body.
TO CONSUME
Embrace the bounty of the season with fresh, nourishing foods that invigorate the body and uplift the spirit, such as:
+ SPRING SALADS - A vibrant medley of tender greens, crisp vegetables, and tangy dressings, spring salads are a delicious way to celebrate the season's bounty.
+ HERBAL INFUSIONS - Sip on fragrant herbal teas infused with the essence of spring, like mint, lemon balm, and chamomile, to soothe the soul and awaken the senses.
+ LIGHT AND AIRY DESSERTS - Indulge in light and airy desserts that capture the essence of spring, such as fruit sorbets, chia pudding, acai bowls and the like. +
APOTHECARY PICKS
+ Liquid Gold Body Balm by HOUSE OF ADAORNMENT - Recently spent a little too much time in the sun and felt my skin needing some love and relief afterwards; rubbing some of this beautiful balm on my sunkissed skin was so restorative and soothing. Made here in Detroit, so a win-win situation.
+ Goodonya Hydrate Travel Sticks - It can be so easy to forget to drink enough water throughout the day; but these are a game-changer for those instances. This is the only Certified Organic + Glyphosate-Free electrolyte and mineral hydration powder on the market / in existence! Using real food ingredients, no “natural-flavors” and made with only 1g of sugar, these taste like light, fresh lemonade.
+ Cooling bath soak by Surya - Warm weather doesn’t mean we have to stop taking baths! I love this bath soak after a long day in the sun, heat and/or humidity. A great way to cool down and indulge in your self-care ritual no matter what season.
+ Multi-Retinol Night Emulsion by Marie Veronique - Retinol seems to be all the rage these days; with its multitude of benefits ranging from preventing aging skin, improving fine lines and wrinkles, revitalizing skin texture, healing + keeping acne in check, evening out skin-tone + discoloration and so much more; this has truly been my favorite retinol I’ve ever used. It also acts as a powerful under-eye treatment!
As we bask in the beauty of May blossoms, let’s embrace the spirit of renewal and transformation that lingers in the air and pushes us to new horizons. May this season be a time of growth, inspiration, and endless possibility.
x Dr. Sam