Supporting Spleen Energy in Late Summer
Connect to the Earth Daily
Late summer relates to the earth element, so it is an important time to stay grounded, both figuratively and literally. Late summer calls us to reduce screen time and increase time spent outside. Go for a walk or a hike and connect to your five senses. Practice walking meditation barefoot, or imagine your feet growing roots into the earth. Feel your feet as they walk doing daily activities, such as grocery shopping or walking down the hall at work.
2. Take Time to Eat and Digest
During this harvest season, take the time to sit down and eat your food. Say a blessing. Mindfully chew. Start including sweet foods, such as grains, potatoes, carrots, and fruits. Foods that are yellow and orange are also great for stomach and spleen energy. Avoid grabbing food and eating while standing up or on the run. Give yourself time to digest before moving on to the next thing.
Energetically, the stomach and spleen are most active between 7am and 11am, so best not to skip breakfast during this season.
3. Be Mindful of Mental Consumption
The stomach and spleen not only relate to physical digestion and nourishment, but also mental digestion. Taking in too much infomation without time to integrate and digest, can be taxing on the spleen and stomach. If you are in school, make sure to take breaks. Avoid reading too much at once and take regular walks to clear your head.
4. Sing!
The spirit of the spleen is the "Yi", which can be translated as "the heart's song". While the Yi does relate to thought and skillful intention setting, it is nourished by music. If you would classify yourself as a "bad singer" give yourself permission to sing along to your favourite song in the car. Sing in the shower or take up a musical instrument.
If you practice mantra and/or Kirtan, the late summer is a great time to amp up those practices.
5. Set Bite-Sized Intentions
The Yi (spirit of the spleen) relates to intention setting. Late summer is the apex of the year, and marks transition. It is a great time to reflect on personal intentions and goals. However, the spleen can get overwhelmed when goals are too large and general.
When we set lofty goals, we often "bite off more than we can chew". Instead, write out a long term plan, followed by a manageable "to do list". Check off each item one at a time. Do not overthink the entire journey, rather, take things one step at a time and TRUST the process.
6. Take Time to Reflect on How Far You’ve Come
Taking time to appriciate where you are is the essence of spleen nourishment. Rejoice in your accomplishments, just as you would rejoice after picking a ripe fruit from your garden. Having gratitude for our life and our efforts, gives us the fuel to keep going.
Want to learn more about the Five Spirits?
The next Yin Yoga and the Five Spirits Teacher Training is in November 2021. Registration is open!
