Late summer is here, with hot muggy days and sudden afternoon thunderstorms.
Late summer is considered to be one of five (not four) major seasons in the East, with this phase in particular associated with the earth element: as such, it’s a time of nourishment and nurturing. It’s the time of ripening before the harvest in Autumn: the last burst of energy before nature begins to withdraw and rebuild.
These last few weeks (despite the intense heat here in Australia) are a perfect time for self cultivation and ripening, where the natural energy around us is in full bloom and encourages us to do likewise. As such, it’s a perfect time to put time and energy into endeavours which build and transform us: artistic, personal and lifestyle focuses are top of the list, whether that be spending some time in your garden, adjusting your living room to be more welcoming and encourage social interaction, or getting into a great personal project.
As an earth time, this is the time which the earth element is most dominant: in eastern medical traditions this refers to the organs of the spleen and stomach, which are of course literally involved in nourishing the body.
The spleen and stomach are an organ pair which are literally the ‘clock’ of the body: they like regular times, stability, and predictability. This may sound boring, for those people used to a constant shift and rapid pace, however this internal rhythm is, for all of us, the key to internally listen to our own needs and grow. It’s the difference between movement and direction!
As always, balance and harmony with the seasons is the best way to keep in good health: at this time of year those who are out of balance with the seasonal pull towards these aspects may find that their digestion seems a little ‘out of whack’ – nausea, stomach flu, IBS symptoms, weight gain, low energy, and blood sugar disorders are some of the symptoms you can expect to see. For those who are in sync, you may feel more nourished and harmonious than usual.
Keep in mind, however, as eastern medicine considers any organ to be physiological and psychological, any reference to digestion or nourishment is much more profound than simply the food we put in our body: its about nourishment and digestion on an emotional level as well. This may mean the way we digest, break down and assimilate ideas, feels, and the world around us, as well as ideas around support, self love and acceptance.
Some tips to get into rhythm with Late summer and the earth element:
Eat seasonal produce: Cooling foods such as cucumber, melons, mango, broccoli, pineapples and leafy greens of all kinds are at peak availability: make the most of them in salads, both warm and cool. Herbs such as peppermint, coriander and dill are great in salads. Drink peppermint or green teas. Its also a good time for smoothies and juices.
If you were considering a time to go meat free, this is a perfect time for it!
Light meats such as fish and chicken are still appropriate, but too much red meat should be avoided this time of year.
Nurture yourself: a creative project, gardening, doing a pottery or painting class with a friend, or going on a road trip is a fabulous opportunity to nourish yourself and a great opportunity to get back in touch with yourself and connect with special people around you
Get back to Nature: Actually I recommend this regardless of the time of year, but late summer is in particular a time to sit back and observe the wonders of nature around you. Go for a walk everyday, sit in the park, watch leaves and water, observe the insects.
Get social: summer is social time! In the business of everyday life its easy to lose touch with people without meaning to: book in a breakfast or dinner to catch up with special people you haven’t seen in a while.
Don’t worry! Worry is the emotion that disrupts your spleen and stomach: remember we talk about the ‘digestion’ of things on an emotional level as well as a purely physical one. If you come to a place where you are circling without progress, pause, get centred in your body again, and focus on being present in the world around you.
