The 24 Solar Terms: Beginning of Summer

Following Nature, Nourishing the Heart

二十四节气之立夏：顺应天时，养护心神

Li Qingzhao, the famed poet of the Song Dynasty (1084–1155), once wrote: “In this season of lingering chills and sudden warmth, it is hardest to find ease.” These simple yet profound words capture the subtle shifts in climate as spring gives way to summer, reminding us how essential it is to care for both body and mind during times of transition.

宋代著名词人李清照（1084–1155）曾写道：“乍暖还寒时节，最难将息。”寥寥数语，深刻描绘了春夏交替时节的气候变幻，也提醒我们：季节更替之际，更应注重身心的调养。

Ouyang Xiu (1007–1072), another luminary of the Song Dynasty, left us two enduring maxims I often quote in class: “Disasters often arise from tiny lapses,” and “Great undertakings are accomplished through attention to detail.” The smallest things often sow the seeds of great change—a truth that applies just as much to health and wellbeing. Overlooking minor signals from the body can lead to deeper troubles, while mindful daily care keeps us balanced and resilient.

宋代另一位文坛巨匠欧阳修（1007–1072）也留下两句警世名言，我常在课堂上引用：“祸患常积于忽微”，“天下大事，必作于细。”许多看似微不足道的小事，往往潜藏着深远的影响。养生之道亦复如是，忽视身体发出的微小信号，容易积累成疾；而细致入微的日常调养，则能助我们保持身心平衡。

With the arrival of the Beginning of Summer, nature’s rhythm shifts. Yang energy grows stronger, warmth deepens, and both body and spirit feel these changes. Restlessness, palpitations, and insomnia become more common. Traditional Chinese medicine teaches: “Spring nourishes the liver; Summer nourishes the heart.” Thus, after Lixia (the Beginning of Summer), keeping the heart calm and the mind at peace is essential. This is especially true for elders, who should avoid emotional extremes, cultivate ease and contentment, and strive to maintain clarity and harmony.

随着立夏的到来，自然界的节律悄然转变。阳气渐旺，气温上升，人体的生理与心理状态也随之发生变化，容易出现心神不宁、心悸、失眠等现象。中医有云：“春养肝，夏养心。”因此，立夏之后，尤应重视心神的调养。老年人尤其要避免情绪剧烈波动，保持心境平和、怡然自乐，做到神清气和。

In the lunar calendar, April(the 4th month) brings Lixia as the festival and Xiaoman (Grain Full) as the qi phase. During this time, the universe is infused with pure yang, symbolized by the Qian hexagram—six unbroken lines, representing heaven’s full vigor. As the sun shines brighter and days lengthen, all living things flourish. Yet as yang reaches its peak, yin quietly begins to emerge—a reminder that when things reach fullness, decline begins. In these times, we must practice moderation—balancing outward activity with inward stillness. A short rest at midday, early sleep at night, and a calm heart amid summer’s bustle are key to maintaining health.

在农历四月，立夏为节，小满为气。此时的天地间，纯阳之气旺盛，正如《易经》乾卦——六爻皆阳，象征着天的充盈之势。阳光愈加炽热，白昼渐长，万物欣欣向荣。然而，当阳气升至极点，阴气也悄然萌发，提醒我们：物极必反。顺应自然之道，我们应在此时节适度收敛外放之势，平衡动与静。午间小憩、早睡早起，以平和之心应对夏日的热烈，是护养身心的关键。

To live in tune with nature, to nurture life in harmony with the seasons—this is the timeless wisdom of Chinese culture. May each of us, in this bright and flourishing season, follow the rhythms of heaven and earth, nurture a joyful, peaceful heart, and find in each quiet moment the seeds of vitality and balance.

顺应自然，四时养生，是中华文化的智慧精髓。愿我们每个人在这个阳光明媚、生机盎然的季节里，顺天时，养心性，于静好时光中收获生命的平衡与活力。