Transition Time

Transition. Can you feel it? It’s in the air. Not only in the shift from high summer to late summer, following the autumnal equinox (which was on September 22nd), but transition is making itself known throughout the fabric of our lives. This is the time to transition that outward flowing energy of summer into a more internal channel. It’s the time to move into our centers and find out what lies dormant there, ready to be nourished.

Here’s what Dr. Haas, author of Staying Healthy with the Seasons has to say about these few special weeks:

“This time is associated with the Earth element, which represents the  stable center of    our existence; fertile and focused on form and manifestation…The organs relating to this late summer time and the Earth element are the stomach and spleen. These two work together to digest your foods and distribute the resulting energy throughout the body. Nourishment is important to your energy state and well-being, so the proper functioning of these two organs  is vital to your feeling food and preventing illness. Your eating habits are key to keeping your digestion working efficiently and maintaining a strong stomach and spleen.

“Clarity in your diet will see you through many external problems and through seasonal transition. Your diet affects all aspects of your life—your work, productivity, personality, your sleep and dreams, how you feel from day to day, your health or illness, and where you live in your mind and on the earth. In the Center is where we go to have a look at life’s show; all we have to do is flow—that’s the real way to grow. So let’s go.”

Thanks, Dr. Haas for that bizarre and yet important rhyme. It’s true. Maybe you’ve been indulging in more sweets than usual as the stress of “real life” (aka: work) kicks in and the drowsy days of summer are left as nothing but happy mental residue on the windshield of your past. Have I got your ticket? Well, before things get really out of hand (or your butt gets any bigger), take some time today, tomorrow, or some day this week to get reinspired to clean up your act (and your body). Shift your diet back to mainly whole grains, seasonal fruits and vegetables and high-quality fats (nuts, seeds, olives, ghee, etc.). Reduce your intake of refined foods and sugars. 

Remember that we are beginning the building cycle again (think squirrels busy gathering nuts for winter but still having time for play), meaning that we are building and toning for the cooler winter months versus the cleansing/shedding that we do during spring and summer. Eat more protein-dense foods and fat foods balanced with plenty of fiber-rich fruits and veggies. Apples are a great food to celebrate the season. An apple a day keeps illness at bay.

      
Discover ways to reconnect with your core, and rediscover your unique soul-center. You may find that connection through meditation, walking in nature, reading a book, talking with a friend, making love, or keeping a dream journal. However you plug back into your Self, make more time this month to do that. It will serve you (and those you love and live with) in big, happy ways in the months to come.