Dịch
As the vibrant peak of summer softens, we enter a unique transitional period known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as “late summer.” This season, lasting from mid-August to the fall equinox, is governed by the Earth element (土, tǔ), a time for grounding, nourishment, and reflection. The intense, expansive energy of summer’s Fire element gives way to a more centering and stabilizing force, inviting us to slow down and appreciate the abundance around us. In my own journey with tai chi and qigong, this season offers a profound opportunity to cultivate inner harmony and connect with the earth’s supportive energy.
Late summer carries a feeling of fulfillment. The long, hot days begin to shorten, and the natural world is heavy with the fruits of its labor, ready for harvest. This is a time of abundance and contentment, a chance to pause and integrate the growth and experiences of the year. When I step outside to practice tai chi, the air itself feels different, less like the fiery expression of summer and more like a quiet, nurturing strength. There is a sense of settling, a gentle drawing inward that mirrors nature’s own rhythm. This seasonal shift encourages us to recognize and hold the fruits of our labor, both physically and spiritually.
My tai chi and qigong movements in late summer become a meditation on stability and balance. I focus on rooting myself, feeling the solid connection between my feet and the ground, our ground, our Mother Earth. Each slow and deliberate shift in weight is a reminder of the Earth element’s power to provide a firm foundation and a stable center, even as life continues to move around us. This practice helps me feel centered and calm, cultivating a sense of inner peace that I can carry through the day. Just as the earth provides for us, forgiving and constant, this practice helps me find that same steady support within myself.
In TCM, the Earth element is associated with the stomach and spleen, the organs that receive, digest, and distribute nourishment throughout the body. The stomach is considered the “official” that receives and processes not just physical food, but also mental and emotional food. Its partner, the spleen, is the official of transport, ensuring that this nourishment reaches the mind and spirit. This season is the perfect time to focus on nourishing our whole being. Through the gentle and flowing movements of qigong, I visualize drawing nourishing energy up from the earth, supporting not just my digestion but also my ability to process thoughts and emotions. When this function is impaired, thoughts can churn endlessly, leading to worry and obsession. This mindful practice helps me clear away mental clutter, creating space for gratitude and contentment with the harvest of my own life.
The Earth element also relates to the archetype of the Mother, the source of nourishment, sympathy, and care. Its associated emotion is sympathy, the capacity to both give and receive compassion. An imbalance, which may stem from a lack of proper mothering, can lead to a feeling of deprivation or being misunderstood. This can result in a constant need for sympathy from others, or an inability to receive it at all. This season invites reflection on how we nourish ourselves and those around us. Do we feel deprived and in constant need, or do we feel self-sufficient and able to share our own abundance? Tai chi and qigong teach me to cultivate this inner mother, learning to nourish and care for myself and to stand with strength and ease on my own two feet.
As I conclude my practice, I feel a quiet sense of tranquility and completeness. The lessons of late summer—groundedness, nourishment, and reflection—resonate deeply within me. It is a time to appreciate the richness of life, to care for ourselves and others, and to find stability in the midst of change. Through tai chi and qigong, I learn to embody the calm, centered, and nurturing spirit of the Earth element, preparing me for the letting go of autumn and the stillness of winter.
Experience Tai Chi and Qigong Year Round with the Tai Chi Foundation
You can learn more about tai chi by exploring the various offerings of the Tai Chi Foundation (TCF). TCF provides live online courses, allowing you to engage in guided sessions in the comfort of your home. These virtual classes offer unique opportunities to connect with experienced instructors, ensuring that you receive personalized guidance and feedback. Additionally, the Tai Chi Foundation offers Teachable on-demand classes, providing a flexible and accessible way to learn at your own pace. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, these online resources present a wealth of knowledge to enhance your tai chi journey. For those seeking a more hands-on experience, check out the regular course offerings of TCF’s affiliated local schools.
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By Oliver Herzfeld
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