Late summer, the Earth season, is a time to pause, ground, and gather what we’ve sown. It reminds us to nourish both body and spirit so we can move through life’s transitions with steadiness and grace. In this insight, I share why Earth season is so important, simple practices to support yourself, and a blessing to carry with you.

As we move through the turning of the year, late summer invites us into a unique pause—the Earth season. It arrives after the fullness of summer and before the descent into autumn, offering a moment to slow down, breathe, and return to center.

Earth energy is about stability, nourishment, and transitions. Just as the Earth sustains all life, this season reminds us to sustain ourselves—with grounding practices, steady rhythms, and compassion.

Why Earth Season Matters

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Earth is the element of transition. It supports us as we shift from one phase to another, helping us find balance amidst change. The stomach and spleen are the organs associated with Earth. When they are nourished, we digest food—and life—more easily. When they are strained, we may feel worry, overthinking, or heaviness.

Earth season teaches us that when we care for our bodies and calm our minds, our transitions—big or small—become smoother, more natural, and less overwhelming.

Supporting Your Body & Mind

Here are some gentle ways you can lean into the wisdom of Earth season:

For the body:

• Choose warm, cooked foods—soups, grains, and root vegetables—to nourish the stomach and spleen.

• Move with steadiness: gentle Qigong, Tai Chi, or mindful walking.

• Create consistent rhythms of rest and sleep.

For the mind & heart:

• Pause before moving into “what’s next.”

• Write down your harvest—what you’ve accomplished and learned.

• Practice gratitude for the nourishment already in your life.

When You Feel Off

Even the Earth wobbles slightly on its axis—it reminds us that imbalance is natural, and returning to center is always possible.

Here is a simple course-correction practice:

1. Notice: Am I caught in worry or overthinking?

2. Pause: Place your feet on the ground, one hand on your belly, one on your heart.

3. Breathe: Inhale deeply into your belly, exhale slowly through the mouth.

4. Reset: Smile gently, soften your shoulders, and take one step toward ease.

With practice, this gentle reset helps you come back to center, again and again.

A Blessing for You

May you feel the steadiness of the Earth beneath your feet, the nourishment of the harvest within your heart.

May each transition become softer, smoother, guided by wisdom, rooted in grace.

You are supported, centered, and held. The Earth carries you, reminding you that you belong.

I am rooted.
I am steady.
I move through change with ease.
I honor my harvest and my rest.

Trust the rhythm of the seasons,
trust the rhythm of your own life.
As the Earth turns with quiet strength, so do you.