Autumn Equinox - Earth element

The sun has crossed the celestial equator and we have officially transitioned from summer to fall where we welcome the Earth element in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). During this time, nature focuses on ripening crops rather than planting and growing them as we did in spring and early summer. You may have noticed the darker evenings and gloomy days compared to the vibrant yang energy of the summer season. During this time, we focus on stability and nourishment for the body and mind by taking the time to pause and ground down to earth and find balance within the earth element. The energy of this element acts as a grounding force to ankhor us back into stability of routine after summer, to support your digestive system (including the spleen) with seasonal nourishing foods and become more self aware of our emotional state.

Characteristics of the Earth element

Signs of imbalances in the earth element may manifest in being self indulgent, pleasing others, clingy and scatty behaviour, lack of grounding, needy or bored. On the flip side, some of the characteristics of a balanced earth element may show up as a mother, provider, nurturing, supportive, considerate, attentive, caring for self and others, empathy, grounded, reliable, stable with clear thoughts.

What can we do to stay balanced?

• Ask yourself, have you given more energy than you have?

• Have you over or under indulged in areas of your life?

• Do you have a positive work life balance?

• Do you set aside some 'me time' everyday?

• Are you eating seasonally in a mindful way?

• Have you set yourself personal goals to aim for?

• Do you practice gratitude?

Practical tips to create balance

1. Spend 10 minutes a day in a quiet space to breathe and notice the breath as it enters and leaves your body. Slow your breathe right down (try out coherent breathing).

2. Give yourself permission to be on your yoga mat daily, even if it's a 15 minute stretch or flow.

3. Create a mantra or an intention for your practice and for your life allowing you to gently lean into your edge in a healthy way.

4. Plan your meals for the week so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time for yourself. Nourish your body with warming, colourful foods, cut down or avoid dairy and ultra processed foods and don't forget to drink at least 1.5L of filtered water daily (especially if exercising).

5. Journalling can really help ease tension and release emotions that may be stuck and allows you to move forward in a positive way.

6. Switch off your gadgets at least 1 hour before bed time to avoid blue light exposure.

7. Quality sleep is important for your health and wellbeing, so prioritise this and set yourself up for a comfortable nights sleep with blackout blinds, a cool room and maybe even a magnesium salt bath before bed!

8. Love yourself by doing all of the above,dropping your expectations and highlighting how your life is full of abundance.