Summertime Grounding

Written By Emily Deslaurier

August marks the beginning of late summer and the fifth season in TCM. This season is governed by the Earth element and the spleen and stomach organs and meridians. When out of balance during this season we tend towards worry or anxiety and when in balance we are grounded and balanced within the abundance and ease of summertime.

The characteristics of the Earth Element are those of the archetype of the Mother: grounding, caring and nourishing. When our Earth Chi (energy) is strong and fluid we are able to take good care of ourselves and others. It fosters clear thoughts and a capacity to create a peaceful atmosphere in both our inner and outer world.

When we feel “ungrounded” we may be:

  • Disrespecting our needs or not keeping our own word to ourselves

  • Committing to too many things

  • Feeling socially anxious in normally comfortable situations

  • Finding ourselves in a situation that doesn’t align with our values or priorities 

To achieve balance and get the most of out the end of summer prioritize these grounding tips and techniques.

1) SOOTHE YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM

  • to get out of anxious thoughts, feel your body and focus on your breath

  • try tapping across your collarbones to gently return to your body and regulate your nervous system

  • take deep breaths in and out of your mouth as though you were drinking from a straw, it’s cooling and calming

2) WORK ON HEALING SELF WORTH

  • self worth boils down to self respect, do you keep your own word?

  • put yourself to bed when you know you need it to respect your needs the following day

  • respect your financial limits

  • respect your time with spacious planning and lots of downtime between activities

  • act as your own mother, what do you need and how can you give it to yourself?

  • treating yourself as a precious being builds strength and self worth

3) TEND TO YOUR FEET

  • many meridians end in your feet, massage is powerful in its grounding ability

  • use vetiver oil in a warm foot soak and then massage with deeply nourishing lotion before bed

4) CHOOSE EASE

  • the outcome of any wellness practice is kindness - towards yourself and others… are you choosing kindess?

  • choose the path of least resistance and you will be able to reserve energy for being present and enjoying the gifts of late summer

We’ll be committing to 14 days of grounding meditation starting August 1st, free for members of The Well, join anytime!

Any grounding tips to share? Feel free to add to our list in the comments below.

Emily Deslaurier
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