The Earth Element 

Autumn is the season that corresponds to the Earth Element and is the center of the Tao. Earth is the connection to the world we live in. It is the place where we gather strength to get ready for the next step in our personal life journey. Mother Earth she has been called is how we get all our nourishment, stability, and grounding which supports our life. “Being Grounded” is being who we are in relation to the earth and all it offers. All the other elements are born from her or die within her. It’s our womb and our tomb. Its here we cultivate equanimity or harmony with our spirit, emotions, thoughts, feelings and physical being. Earth imbalance can be seen with nervousness, instability, loss of balance, scattered thinking, feelings of being disconnected from our self or others. It can show itself with chaos or confusion in lifestyles and is often associated with all forms of abuse. When there is no center there can be no place to start and create balance our lives. The color of the earth element is yellow. The season is late summer or is often called Indian summer. The organs associated with earth are stomach and spleen. Some health concerns include stomach disorders, eating disorders, Hypo/hyperglycemia, and menstrual / menopausal concerns. Craving for sugar and sweets are common. There are tendencies to obsess, worry, or over sympathize. Other behaviors include forgetfulness, indifference, alienation or feelings of not having felt loved and being appreciated. The ability to bond and connect to others is a signs of healthy earth balance. At this time of year harvesting the abundance around us is important for the coming of winter. This includes ideas, inspirations, and dreams as the cycle of darkness becomes more dominant and we begin to focus inward. Foods to be gathered are apples, berries, grapes, beans, tomatoes, zucchinis to name a few. Protein rich foods and a little more fat become needed during this time to create heat storage with in the body. Grains and dried legumes along with nuts and seeds are a good source. Exercise is vital for burning calories and to detoxify while building strength of mind, body and spirit. With the colder season coming, you may find a tendency to contraction. Make sure to increase stretching and flexibility. Sometimes just some quiet time by a warm fire, with a good book, and hot cup of tea can do wonders for nourishing your whole being.