Like much of the country, Minnesota is going through an extended heat wave. Our temperature is regularly topping out at over 95 degrees with plenty of humidity. It would be easy to complain, but complaining about the weather rarely helps. Rather I recommend some other coping strategies.

1. 1.  Remember last winter when it was sub-zero and the cold seemed relentless. This heat is refreshing as I look back.
2. 2. Read “cold” books. I remember listening to Jon Krakauer’s book, Into Thin Air, which describes the 1996 group climbing disaster on Mount Everest. Krakauer’s descriptions of the cold and ice were extremely realistic. Our family was traveling through Kentucky in the heat of summer, but as we listened to the book we had to take breaks at rest stops so that we could warm-up from the “cold.” Other possible “cold” books are Roland Huntford’s The Last Place on Earth and Caroline Alexander’s The Endurance: Shackleton’s legendary Antarctic expedition.
   

   Mo Farah Enjoying an Ice Bath
   Photo Credit: Simon Freeman

3. Exercise in the cool of the morning. Most of my runs now start before 6:30 am.  And after my weekly long run, an ice bath for my legs feels oh so good.
4. At the Spirituality and Practice website I found inspiration on their posts: Spiritual Practices for Hot Weather. One story in particular struck me.

The Catholic priest Anthony De Mello tells a story that sums up the best way to live with scorchers:

“Traveler: ‘What kind of weather are we going to have today?’

Shepherd: ‘The kind of weather I like.’

“Traveler: ‘How do you know it will be the kind of weather you like?’

“Shepherd: ‘Having found out, sir, I cannot always get what I like, I have learned always to like what I get. So I am quite sure we will have the kind of weather I like.’ “

5.    Pray for those who are truly struggling with the heat: the poor and powerless, those
whose work requires them to be outdoors, and those who have breathing difficulties.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (I Thess. 5:16-18).

Lord Jesus, comfort and aid those who are struggling with the heat.