Late Summer Transitions

There is a subtle shift that happens in late summer.  The days are still warm, the garden is still abundant, and there is plenty of light; but something begins to change.  In Chinese medicine, late summer is considered its own season, associated with the Earth element and the Spleen and Stomach.

 Earth is the center of the five elements. It is associated with nourishment, digestion, stability, and our ability to take in what we need and transform it into energy. It is also a time of gathering - of enjoying the abundance of the season while beginning, little by little, to turn inward.  This makes late summer a beautiful time to pause and take stock.

 What is nourishing you right now? What is leaving you feeling depleted? Are you making time for regular meals, rest, movement, connection, and the things that help you feel grounded?

 Rather than rushing toward the next season, late summer invites us to gather in what has nourished us and carry that nourishment with us into fall.

 One of the simplest ways to support the Earth element is through food.  As the weather begins to transition, warm, cooked foods can be especially supportive of digestion.  Think seasonal vegetables, grains, soups, and simply prepared meals.

 This doesn't mean abandoning the beautiful abundance of summer. It's more about gently shifting the balance—incorporating a little more warmth and nourishment as the season begins to turn.

 Take a little time to eat well, spend time outside, move your body, connect with people you love, and notice what leaves you feeling grounded.

Let yourself be nourished by the season before it changes.

Local seasonal photography by Sasha Krylova