27/05/2026
These unexpectedly hot days got me thinking about my Qigong practice.
Staying mindful and moving with grounded intent has felt increasingly difficult in the heat, and I found myself wanting my practice to honour rather than fight the elements.
Although summer is traditionally associated with more Yang energy, on this occasion I felt drawn towards softer, more Yin-focused movements connected with grounding, cooling and balance.
While revisiting some of the different forms and sets I have learnt over the years, I returned to one of my favourites, a movement that begins at the kidneys and beautifully balances earth, water and fire.
The clip attached showcases the exercise, filmed impromptu during an early morning dog walk in the beautiful Cirencester Park ().
My top tips for practising in hot weather:
☀️ Aim only for what feels possible. That might mean scaling down your practice and that’s ok. Summer practice can be slower, softer and more nourishing when we work with the season rather than against it.
☀️ Practice early or later in the day. Even a few minutes in cooler morning air can feel grounding and restorative.
🌸 Choose softer Yin-nourishing movements. Gentle flowing forms or slow breath-led movements can feel more balancing than vigorous practice in summer heat.
🦶 If you feel too hot and sticky for elaborate movement, consider slow barefoot walking or rolling the ball of your foot in the grass. This gently stimulates “Bubbling Spring” (Kidney 1 point), traditionally associated with grounding and settling excess heat or agitation.
Sometimes one mindful movement practised well is enough.
