Late summer: the 5th season
The light was soft and golden this morning in the park; cobwebs between branches were spot lit, the amber edges of leaves glowed and the mineral scent of last nights rain rose up from the path wherever the sun hit. Very suddenly, autumn is in the air.
It feels too soon; it’s still August! The heatwaves have created the sense of expedited autumn as the trees have given up with heat stress (many people can relate!). But this not-really-summer-not-quite-autumn feeling isn’t new, it happens every year around this time. Perhaps heat of this summer highlights contrast in this seasonal shift.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine there are 5 elements that align with the seasons….5 elements but 4 seasons? Yes, there’s an extra one, and it’s for exactly this time of year; the liminal space after the hight of summer but before the descent into autumn truly begins. This, in TCM, is the season of Earth.
Living seasonally helps us to make sense of how we feel as we move through the year, and can show us what’s needed (or not needed). To me this is a key part of mindful living; noticing what is happening within and around me and responding accordingly.
According to TCM, the Earth element is a transitional season that represents a stabilising time between the expansive heat of summer (fire element) and the contraction or release of autumn (metal element). It’s associated with harvest, abundance, balance, stability, empathy and trust. However, out of balance it can manifest as overthinking, worry and overwhelm. This season asks us to prioritise being grounded and connecting to centre. When we do this, everything functions better and we can make a smooth transition from one thing - or one season - and the next.
Reflection:
Have you noticed the seasonal shift? What emotions does it evoke for you?
Late summer/ Earth element offers us a mindful pause and encourages us to reconsider balance in our lives….what is feeling a little out of balance for you, and what do you need to do to tend to this?
Consider the concept of being grounded or centred. What does this feel like in your body? Can you make any small adjustments, right now, to cultivate this? What other type of movement, perhaps later on today or soon, would help you increase this feeling?
Ready to get Autumnal? You can join me for Forest Bathing, my Autumn Mini Retreat or Samhain Nature Walkshop. Details here: https://www.natalierossiterwellbeing.co.uk/events
