Late Summer’s Earth, Returning to Centre
Wood strives forward into the future, Fire translates that movement toward others, enclosing us in a world of relationships. Now here with Earth, all this abundant growth comes to fruition. Late Summer is the time to pause, reflect and gather what we have cultivated in the energetic explosion of Spring and the vibrant expansion of Summer. Like the harvest festivals of childhood, it is a season to give thanks for what nourishes us, from the food we eat, the relationships we nurture to the experiences that sustain our body-mind-spirit.
The year turns slowly on its axis, moving from Yang to Yin. The high activity of Summer bears its fruit and the days grow subtly shorter. There is still warmth in the air yet, a pull of the downward movement as trees and plants tilt their burdens under the weight of ripening fruit. This transition brings a natural slowing, an invitation to turn inward, reflect, and digest. For some we feel a sense of relief, for others we are not ready to go home just yet.
Late summer’s INVITATIONS
Balance Activity and Rest
Explore your new natural rhythm and the rhythm of the natural world. Late Summer is about digesting what has been whilst we prepare for what is waiting in the wings. We change and so should the times of day where we are active and resting. The foods we eat, when we eat, the activities we engage in, all should reflect this new found environment.Giving Thanks
Reflect an what has come to fruition in your life this year, in your work, relationships, body, spirit or home. Write it down from your heart and circle one. What small gesture can you do to celebrate this?
Gather Your Lessons
Consider what experiences and insights you wish to carry forward. How can you integrate them through yoga, meditation or time in nature? This process is about digesting and storing that which will keep you going.
Return to the Centre
Reconnect with your breathing body through this Meditation that focuses on the feeling of breathing inside a receptive and calm abdomen.
Earth, the pivot of all elements, teaches us stability, nourishment and the power of sustained intention. In the body, the Spleen and Stomach transform food into energy, supporting mind and spirit. When balanced, Earth brings clarity, patience and the capacity to work steadily toward what matters most. When out of harmony, it can manifest as overthinking, foggy clarity, or emotional neediness. By nurturing this element, we create a stable anchor from which all other aspects of life can flow freely.
Late Summer reminds us that life is cyclical, that what rises must fall, what is gathered must eventually be released. By returning to our centre, through gratitude, reflection and embodied presence, we align with the natural rhythms of life. The Earth element supports us in harvesting lessons, stabilising our energy and carrying forward the essence of growth and experience into the months ahead. It is a season of completion, grounding, and gentle preparation, reminding us that even as activity winds down, life continues in perfect, nourishing cycles.
