The energy of late summer slows and steadies. That which was sown in hope matures in abundance. The frantic rush to do it all, the greediness to experience all that the hot summer months have to offer, settles. The fire of summer segues into the deeply grounded fruition of early autumn.
Each of us might observe this transition within ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally, creatively, spiritually and experientially. What we notice is not a new scientific discovery, but is in keeping with the Five Element Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Think about it. The element of Fire is embodied by the summer months of high activity – play, adventure, sports, competition, and an enthusiastic desire to make the most of the deliciously long daylight hours. (Please note that I realize that people experience summer months differently depending on their environment and health, but as a generalization, this works.) Often there are vacations, travel, cookouts, hikes, pool parties and an increase in social interaction – now even safer in our Covid world as it is easy to distance and play outdoors.
Inevitably, thankfully, the seeds we planted in the spring, have grown to harvest. Roadside stands overflow with vegetables and fruit – literally the fruits of the spring labors. In TCM, late summer corresponds with the element Earth. Common sense agrees with this theory as well. Mother Earth is doing her job nurturing, nourishing and providing. At the same time, Earth represents the richness of the soil, the grounding and stability represented by the modulated energy of these days. As we harvest, we also recognize the continuity that this time signifies, the balanced energy evident in comparison with the often frenetic of previous weeks.
If we think of the Five Elements as seasonal, we quickly recognize that the Earth element is the center of the cycle moving into fall’s Metal, winter’s Water, spring’s Wood and summer’s Fire.
Here in Vermont, fall comes quickly. Already in this final week of August goldenrod flourishes, random leaves turn from green to fall colors of red and orange, and as kids go back to school, yellow school busses proliferate. Soon there will be a dusting of snow on the mountains!
The natural world does it’s best to reassure us. Unfortunately, we live in a world of war, illness and nasty political battles. What can we do? Perhaps it is how we live our lives as unique individuals that matters. Perhaps it is the mindset that we nourish and the outreach of compassion that we do for ourselves that will ultimately have a community effect and perhaps penultimately the effect will seep into a global effect. (Don’t you love that word? Many years ago when I worked for the Chief Judge of the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland and would help to publish his opinions I would giggle over his frequent use of the word ‘penultimate’ – he just loved that word. Even a word can ignite a memory.) Perhaps even a word can ignite a tiny spark of peace.
Peace Pilgrim was the first woman to hike the 2050 mile long Appalachian Trail. Her response to personal anguish was to adopt the concept of a pilgrim of peace who joyfully spent her life criss-crossing the country with her message of peace. Her legacy is rich, just as the Earth season and characteristics are deep and abundant and stabilizing. She was just one person but her message continues to produce.
“Live in the present.
Do things that need to be done.
Do all the good you can each day.
The future will unfold.”
Peace Pilgrim
Late summer is not without its regrets – regrets of things not accomplished or adventures not taken or the mark of time passing as we send our children off to school or deliver them to their new college dorms. Yet there is reassurance in this season. Continuity demonstrates that our roots have traveled deeply into our centered being. Hope is not frivolous but rather it is based on personal history. We must do the work but we are not without support.
I cannot tell you what to believe. What I do suggest, however, is that you take a moment for yourself to dive deeply into the meaning of the time in which we are living, moving and being.
Is there new life to be nurtured, new ideas, new motivation, new creativity? Nourish and nurture are key components of Earth. Have at it!
On a personal note, I share with you the new member of my family. I will do my best to nourish and nurture this delightful little creature – who, of course, has come with a full set of puppy teeth! Watching growth and change may be what life is all about. May we live abundantly, peacefully and with hearts full of hope and joy.
Oh, to explore life with the wonder and curiosity of a new little being!