August doesn't count. That's what I keep saying to myself, anyway.

Let me clarify. August is an anomaly. Nothing during this month seems to fit the "normal rules." I've been running into this fact all over the place. People keep saying that they're not eating the way they usually do, or they're off their sleep routine. Some I've talked to just feel inexplicably "out of whack". Personally, I don't think I've had one "normal" meal in the last couple of weeks and my appetite is utterly unpredictable.

The Western world considers the seasons to be divided in four, but in Traditional Chinese Medicine, August is part of a unique fifth season: Late Summer. Late Summer is thought to be separate from the rest of Summer, with different principles and energies. As the hot and humid transition from Summer to Fall, it is a time of intense metamorphosis both in nature and in ourselves. That's why it's important during this time to try and stay centered and grounded, so as not to slip into total chaos.

But staying centered does not mean staying rigid. You can't ground yourself by holding a white-knuckled grip on your life. To use an old and time-worn example: A tree that does not bend with the wind will break.

So what can you do? You can meditate, breathe, practice yoga, burn incense...anything that helps align your mind, body and spirit. My favorite is to relax in a warm salt bath. It's an act of self-care that's both indulgent and healthy. The salts detoxify my body while the solitude detoxifies my mind. If you don't already have a grounding practice in your life, what kind of ritual appeals to you? Have fun experimenting with different activities until you find the one you find most nourishing.

So do stay centered, but also stay flexible. Accept that Late Summer is strange. Your appetite is odd, your sleep is uneven, your energy is unpredictable...just like the season. Ride the wave and enjoy the journey. Staying connected to yourself will help you adapt to everything else.

There's so much talk in the nutritional media about "super foods": Cacao! Goji! Noni! Maca! But these foreign sounding so-called miracles can't hold a candle to the wonders of water. Good old H2O is the real super food.

Consider this:

• Do you sometimes feel run-down and munchy around 3 in the afternoon? Try chugging a glass of water! Chances are, your cravings will pass once you hydrate. That's because our bodies often confuse the signals of thirst for hunger. You may be consuming extra unneeded calories when all you really require is some liquids.

• Many common ailments are caused by chronic dehydration. Allergies, asthma, weight gain, fatigue, constipation...these are just a few conditions that can be greatly alleviated simply by drinking enough water.

• Want to lose weight? Drink more water! Without it, your body will be reluctant to release the stored fats and toxins that are clogging your system. DonŐt think that drinking more water will cause water retention. Your body only does that when you're depriving it of the water you actually need.

These are just a few of the many benefits of proper hydration. And no, other liquids don't count. Some beverages actually exacerbate the dehydrated condition. If you're consuming sodas or other caffeinated drinks, you'll need to add even MORE water to your daily intake. So enjoy the beverage recipes below, but still try to fit in about eight 8 ounce glasses of plain water, too.

Happy hydrating!

Ingredients:

3 to 4 herbal tea bags of your choice
(my favorite is any Yogi Tea brand tea)
water

Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 24 hours
Yields: 2 liters

Directions:

1. Fill an extra-large lidded mason jar with water
2. Add 3 or 4 of your favorite tea bags
3. Place in the sun for one full day
4. If desired, sweeten with natural sweeteners (like agave)

Serve at room temperature or cold over ice

Ingredients:

1 pound fresh ginger root
2 liters water
juice of 2 limes
maple syrup or agave nectar to taste

Prep time: 7 minutes
Cook time: 24 hours
Serves: 6 - 8 servings

Directions:

1. Thinly peel the fresh ginger
2. Grate the ginger and mix the result with the water in a large saucepan
3. Bring to a boil
4. Reduce heat and let simmer for 4 minutes
5. Cover the pan and remove from the heat
6. Let sit for 24 hours
7. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth
8. Add the lime juice and sweetener and stir until dissolved

Serve Chilled

email: trishbalbert@gmail.com

phone: 646-246-7250

web: http://www.awakenwellness.com