Finding Your Summer Zen
Who would have imagined that 2020 would bring such disruption to the lives of humanity around the globe? As we are in the midst of summertime, a season that typically conjures a sense of nostalgia, joy, and fond memories of grand adventures, many of us are sequestered in our homes.
My hope is that you will be able to find creative ways to make new memories; barbecuing, making a few indulgent s’mores, or enjoying a family meal together. Or maybe you have taken up a hobby recently, re-visited an old one, or started a new tradition with your loved ones to help generate the inner zen that will nurture your emotional well-being. I personally find that tending to nature’s beauty with potted plants and a small garden fuels my pursuit of zen. Plus, I have started taking up whittling again that I had long since put aside due to “life living me vs. me living life”.
When it comes to the zen of gardening, as you can imagine — the oneness of seeing a seed germinate, grounding yourself by working the soil and tending to the vitality of produce that you raised with your very own hands — can be amazingly gratifying.
I have a diverse patient base; young children, new parents, and retired elders, all with a wide variety of job functions and life demands. One thing is for sure, kids and seniors alike have been unduly challenged with economic, schooling, and global concern — and during an election year to boot. My patients have found the following items particularly helpful to create a level of resilience at the mind and body level.
- Adrenal support, either as a combination such as Stress Guard™ or stand-alone herbals such as Maca, Rhodiola, or Ashwagandha.*
- Many folks also use a liquid formula aptly named, CountToZen™ to assist with starting the day in a focused yet less worried/agitated mode, or to help them calm down before a night of RESTorative sleep*.
- Getting quality sleep more than ever is essential to restore our bodies and reset for another day.
- Also used widely in our practice is a popular item for kids called, Tranquil Child™. Our observant children (the next generation) are not only experiencing a change in the school routine and social network, but they are picking up the news feeds and stress that has become all-pervasive.
It is my sincere wish and prayer that you will be able to find moments of joy this summer, build your inner zen, and nurture your mind, body, and spirit. We are all counting on one another to bring the best we each have to offer to unite the world in peace and pervasive harmony.
Peace and Abundant Blessings,
Dr. Chris Meletis, N.D.
About Dr. Meletis, N.D.
Chris Meletis, N.D., has more than 25 years of experience practicing natural medicine. Based in Portland, Oregon, he shares his vast knowledge with fellow healthcare providers and his patients, and generously give to those in need. A lecturer and author, Dr. Meletis as written over a dozen books and hundreds of national articles. He was named Naturopathic Physician of the Year in 2003 by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and was inducted into the National University of Natural Medicine Hall of Fame in 2018.
