–Featured Story–
Greetings!
Loving late summer this year, as is usual for me. Celebrating every outdoor moment, preferably on the beach. Ignoring the all-too-early introduction of all things pumpkin-spice and Halloween. Insisting on summer’s presence right up until the autumnal equinox, and even then soaking up every ray of sunlight like a squirrel stashing its stores for the cold, dark season to come.
Late Summer is held as The Fifth Season in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Joseph Cardillo, Ph.D., a research psychologist specializing in mind-body medicine, shines some light on the influence of the seasons on our psyche – individually and collectively – as well as for our personal physical health and well-being. He writes, in a HuffPost article, “The Promise of the Five Seasons,” of our innate connection to Nature. Acknowledging each season’s particular sensibility offers us an opportunity to intentionally connect and flow with the rhythmic cycles of nature:
- Spring: Embrace the Power of New Beginnings
- Summer: Create Abundance
- Late Summer: Gain Rootedness
- Autumn: Find the Justice of Letting Go
- Winter: Dream of Quietude
Late Summer is at the center of this cycle. It is the fulcrum point around which the other four seasons revolve. It invites a pause for reflection and assessment in between the cycles of growth and decay so one may become grounded. “You see who you have been, who you are and who you want to be,” writes Cardillo. Late Summer’s fruits create the ideal set up for Autumn and Winter. I AM so happy and grateful for the season of reflection and grounding that is Late Summer.
peace & pro-motion ~
–Laurel Kilbourn
Source/Credit for Photo Above: Lauren Shebairo courtesy of Laurel Kilbourn
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