Do you ever feel like your mind is moving around in circles and you are not getting any answers? Or as if you are floating in life from one thing to the next, without your feet on the ground? Do you ever feel dizzy? Confused? Get headaches? If so, you may be feeling the ungrounded effects of an Earth Element imbalance according to the Five Element system of Chinese medicine.
We are entering the time of the Earth Element, the late summer time of year. This time of year is the transition from the Fire Element, which is the exciting, happy time of summer, to the Earth element: the late summer time of year which is about security, grounded-ness, and confidence. Traditionally, in nature, this is the time of year when the fruits and vegetables are harvested for their full bounty. We gather this food by canning, freezing, and preserving, to last the rest of the year. This is why the Earth Element is about grounding: because when we have a good harvest it will keep us through the winter months.
So what does this mean for us? We also need a metaphorical "good harvest" in ourselves so that we feel grounded and secure. When we come from a place of abundance in ourselves, we have more to give to the world. Here are three ways to feel more grounded and build up your Earth Element:
1). Move from your head to your feet. This is a good time of year to take your shoes off and walk on the ground: on the soil, the grass, and the sand. Notice all the different textures on the soles of your feet.
2). Set boundaries for yourself around your technology. Our smartphones are Chi-takers. The screens we look at deplete our energy and create eyestrain. I turn off my cell phone when I get home from work and this helps me be more fully with my friends and family, and it also helps me relax so that I can sleep better.
3). Take mindful breaths and give thanks before you eat a meal. The Earth Element is about food digestion. Our food digests better when we are breathing well and at ease. Good physical digestion will help you feel more grounded and also set the stage for you to emotionally digest your life as well.
