Monáe's Musings | Fabulous and Fortunate Podcast

Okay firstly, did you know that cherries are one of summer’s most effortless cooling allies? A bowl of hydrating sweetness that calms the body from the inside out. With a naturally high water content and powerful antioxidants, they help pull excess heat out of the tissues, reduce inflammation, and support smoother digestion so your system isn’t overworking in the warmer months.

Ayurveda classifies cherries as a pitta-soothing fruit, meaning they naturally cool the liver, support lymph flow, and bring balance to the fiery energy that rises in summer. They even help regulate the vagus nerve by lowering stress in the gut–brain loop, creating a sense of ease that feels like your whole body exhaling. Cherries aren’t just a snack: they’re a seasonal reminder to stay juicy, nourished, and cool while you wander through the brightest days of the year.

So what prompted my cherry escapade you may ask? It’s hot. In a way that makes everyone take notice of it. So I thought well, instead of complaining about how hot it is I deeply want to enjoy this summer. Not in a baring my way through the heat type of way either, but in a I want to fully, enthrallingly immerse myself in summer’s bliss.

As someone who typically feels flustered during summer, I started implementing intentional practices into my everyday that allowed me to really enjoy life – in ALL her seasons! Most of the shifts I have made in regards to enjoying the summer have been things that seem like a natural way to live, yet for some reason these natural living practices seem to drift farther and farther away from in in favor of more mainstream ideologies. No matter, ancestral wisdom is always there to give us a lifting hand.

I put together a short list of what has worked for me:

1. One of the easiest ways to support your body during the heat is by upgrading your hydration game. Just drinking plain water sometimes isn’t enough and can even leave you feeling even thirstier. Instead, infuse your water with fruits, vegetables, or components rich in electrolytes like cucumber, lemon, or even coconut water. If you’re feeling particularly dehydrated, a pinch of real salt and a squirt of lemon can go a long way in helping your body actually absorb the hydration.

2. When it comes to your errands or daily movement, try to complete them early in the day before the sun hits her peak. No need to be a martyr for the heat – this is about ease and intention. I do all of my physically strenuous activities earlier in the day before there is a likelihood of the sun being especially potent. It is generally advised to avoid strenuous activities between the hours of 12 and 3 pm.

3. Use an umbrella when you’re outside if the sun is blistering. Listen, I don’t care if I look ridiculous, I will proudly use an umbrella in the sun. Comfort over appearance in the summer, always. Working smarter, not harder, applies to every aspect of life, including how we move through the heat.

4. Incorporate cooling foods into your diet like cucumbers, papayas, watermelon, and other high-water-content fruits and veggies. These not only nourish your body from the inside in, but it also helps keep you regulated and glowing.

These small shifts aren’t about restriction or extremes; they’re about honoring your body with simple, luxurious care. To me, being fabulous isn’t just about looking good in the general terms of the word, it’s about creating a life that feels good, one aligned with the rhythm of nature and the deep wisdom of your body – especially during hotter months.

How about an iced matcha latte for coolness? Yum!

Wishes of coolness, shade, and bliss be upon you!