On the Earth Element, Self-Regulation, and the Invisible Work of Mothering
The days around Mother’s Day can stir up so much. Gratitude, grief, complicated love, unspoken stories.
Even if we have a great relationship with our mother, this holiday can touch something tender.
Mother’s Day also arrives during a seasonal transition—from spring into summer. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this moment of change belongs to the Earth Element, the energy of nourishment, caregiving, and coming back to center.
Even though Earth is most associated with late summer, it’s present in every seasonal transition—just like the invisible threads of mothering that hold our lives together.
The Earth Element is associated with the archetype of the mother: how we were mothered, how we mother others, and how we learn to mother ourselves.
That last one, mothering ourselves, is vital. Especially for those of us in healing professions, caregiving roles, or with strong Earth energy by nature.
At some point in life, we may have learned that taking care of others made us feel safe, worthy, or loved. But that impulse can lead to overextension, burnout, maybe even resentment.
Even mothering my own child, I’ve learned this again and again: I show up best for her when I am regulated, not just reactive.
Just last weekend, my daughter and I had a moment. A misunderstanding spiraled into emotional distance. She stormed to her room.
I could feel the confusion and anxiety rise in me, the urgent need to fix it fast. But I also knew: I wasn’t centered.
So I took time to reconnect with myself. I remembered the parts of her I love. I visualized the storm of emotion passing, so I could feel our connection underneath.
When I finally went to her, I arrived with true, open-hearted presence—not just anxious repair.
This is the wisdom of the Earth element:
Find your center. Nourish your roots. Then offer from overflow.
I try to find this center before every session I lead. I build it in my practice. And it’s what I’ll be cultivating with you this summer.
The Listening Movement Summer Immersion
June 21–22 in Austin, TX
Two nourishing days of fascia-informed, meridian-based movement in community
Early Bird pricing available through May 31!
Whether you're a practitioner, caregiver, or someone with strong Earth energy by nature, this is for you.
You’ll walk away feeling:
✓ Rooted and resourced in your own body
✓ Equipped with practices you can immediately apply in your client work
✓ A felt sense of ease—between doing and being, offering and receiving
✓ Part of a supportive, like-minded community
This isn’t about doing more.
It’s about listening more deeply—and moving from that place.
I hope you’ll join me!
With care,
Kaita
