Earth

Late Summer is the time of the Earth Element.

Earth is literally our home, our Mother, our ground, the place we live. Our muscles are the Earth of our bodies. Muscles give us substance, our shape and form. Imagine a body without muscles – not much is left!
 
To receive nourishment, we must eat. Digestion is therefore intimately related to the Earth element. The Spleen and Stomach are the associated Earth organs. So Earth is not only our substance, it is how we take in and receive the substances that nourish us. Which brings up the questions: What does actually nourish us, and are we able to receive these things?
 
The most obvious Earth nourishment is the food we eat. Next, how are we taking in this food – in a hurry, during business lunches, at a stressful family table, in a relaxed atmosphere with family and friends, in public, in private, in the car?  Is the food cooked, is it a shake full of supplements, who cooked this food, is it mostly sugar, protein, or fat?
 

 
What is the right way to eat?
I think our bodies are naturally smart. By taking time to turn my attention inward and then feel my muscles, stomach, and cells, it is possible to know what my body is asking for. Listening this deeply makes it possible to come into harmony with the Earth element, and to be nourished by the food I choose to eat.
 

The Earth element calls us to find out for ourselves what foods really nourish us. In order to answer that call, we have to see through habits that may not serve us anymore. This process is done by simply turning the attention inward – a simple process that requires patience and persistence.

 
The long, hot, quiet days this time of year are perfect for slowing down. Try resting in the shade, following your breath down to your belly, and feeling into the questions and answers of what nourishes you. Then try again and again until you are able to feel your muscles, stomach, and cells. Let your intellect take a nap while you allow your intuitive mind to listen to the answers.
Enjoy!