LATE SUMMER

THE EARTH ELEMENT

Archetype: The Nurturer (Mother)

The Earth Element in TCM represents stability, nourishment, receptivity, and the grounding presence of home—both within ourselves and in our environment.

It’s associated with the stomach and spleen—organs and channels that help us digest not only food, but experiences, emotions, and ideas. Earth energy helps us find center, process what we’ve taken in, and transform it into strength and vitality.

When Earth energy is balanced, we feel grounded, supported, and generous—able to give and receive with ease.

When out of balance, it can show up as worry, overthinking, stagnation, or a sense of being unmoored.

This is the season of late summer-warmth after the peak heat, when harvest is ready and community gathers. It’s a time of transition, and an ideal time to connect with what sustains you, strengthen your foundation, and cultivate community that nourishes everyone involved.

As the seasons shift, we are invited to return to our center, receive deeply, and move from a place of trust and grounded abundance.

SEASONAL TIPS

  • MOVE WITH STEADINESS + CENTERING AWARENESS

    Earth energy thrives on stability, rhythm, and connection to your center.

    Choose movement that feels grounding—slow, intentional flows, balance work, or strength-based sequences that connect you to your legs and core. Move in a way that makes you feel supported from the ground up.

    Even 5 minutes of standing, swaying, or gentle squats can help you reconnect with your foundation.

  • EAT WARMING, NOURISHING, AND EARTH-TONED FOODS

    Support your Stomach and Spleen with foods that are naturally sweet, warm (in temperature or spice), and easy to digest.

    Think roasted root vegetables, sweet potatoes, squash, millet, rice, carrots, chickpeas, and gentle warming spices like cinnamon or ginger.

    Avoid excessive cold or raw foods, processed sugar, and eating on the go—these can weaken Earth energy.

    Eat slowly and mindfully. Let meals be a ritual of gratitude and nourishment.

  • CONNECT THROUGH GIVING + RECEIVING

    Earth energy is about reciprocity—giving and receiving in equal measure.

    Notice where you can offer support to others, and where you can graciously receive it.
    Host a shared meal, offer a small gift, or allow someone else to help you.

    Balance togetherness with quiet moments of reflection to integrate what you’ve received.

  • TAKE TIME TO FEEL YOUR YES

    Expression is important, but Earth teaches us to first move from a stable foundation.

    Before you share your ideas, check in with your body.


    Before taking on new commitments, ask: “Do I feel supported?”

    When we root first, what we share with others becomes more sustainable and nourishing for everyone.

  • CREATE POCKETS OF REST + DIGESTION

    Late summer is a time to pause and take stock.

    Incorporate small “digestive breaks” throughout your day—time to integrate not just food, but thoughts and experiences.

    Try:

    A short walk after meals

    A few minutes lying down with one hand on your belly and one on your chest

    Journaling about what you’ve been “digesting” in life lately

    This quiet processing time keeps your energy centered and replenished.