Dear friends and family,
Welcome to my blog post exploring the Late Summer season we are currently in. Late summer is the shortest season, starting at the end of summer around August 15th and going through the Autumn transition on September 22nd.
It is the time of year for rejuvenation of the spleen and stomach – our digestive system. This brief season is a time for making plans, reviewing goals, preparing for and starting the new school year, and for reaping the harvest we planted in spring.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there are 5 seasons that relate to our 5 major organ systems: the Spleen, Lungs, Kidneys, Liver and Heart. The seasons in Nature and the systems of our bodies weave together forming the 5 elements. Late summer is the Earth element relating to our Mother, both mother Earth and our maternal mother, the center and our Spleen and Stomach.
The Earth element gives us the power of manifestation, abundance and creativity, which brings our intentions to life. As the stomach receives nourishment, the spleen transforms it into nutrient rich energy that fuels our entire bodies. Just as our intentions, visions and dreams fuel and guide our actions and gives us motivation for our goals.
The way in which we are able to nourish ourselves, and our ability to both give and receive love directly, relates to the health and strength of our digestion system. When we can love and nourish ourselves in body, mind and spirit we have the capacity to share that love with others.
As the Earth element and Late Summer relate to the Mother, it is the best time of the year to strengthen and heal our relationships with our mothers, our children and ourselves. It is a time to connect within and receive nourishment and support, and to release all that does not bring love and light into our lives.
The emotions of this season and of the spleen and stomach are worry, overthinking and melancholy. If you are feeling these emotions to an extreme, your digestive system may also be suffering and need support. Feeling these emotions is normal when they have an opportunity to be acknowledged, expressed and released. It is when we try to hide or stuff our emotions that they can affect our health. Journaling, listening to soothing music, spending time in nature and talking to a friend or counselor are all very helpful.
Stay tuned for my next blog discussing the upcoming autumn season and how to keep yourself and your family healthy through the cold and flu season.
With much love, light and many blessings of abundance and vibrant health for you and your family,
Lisa