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Have you noticed that the end of Summer brings on a particular kind of heaviness? Some attribute it to the conclusion of the holidays and the return to routine and the monotony of daily life. However, it’s all about the energy around us. Since early February, the energy has been building, but it began to diminish around mid-August. By early September, we find ourselves in the midst of a transition period leading us into the more Yin phase of the year. Yin is characterized by being more hidden, darker, slower, and less vibrant, balancing out the high vibe months we've just experienced.


Each seasonal change involves a transition period between the conclusion of one season and the start of the next. However, the transition at the end of Summer is unique. It is more than just a transition; it is a period of transformation. Transformation refers to altering form, nature, or appearance. Alternatively, it can be described as a metamorphosis, conversion, or transmutation.


Let's observe Nature; it's the last chance to transform flowers into fruits. This is the peak time for Nature to ripen its fruits before energy diminishes. Plants that have already borne fruit start to wither, undergoing their further transformation. It is truly the time of abundance, both of quantity and variety. This sense of satiety is one of the reasons for the heaviness left in Late Summer.


A close-up of the zucchini flower's vibrant center highlight its detailed textures and golden tones.
A close-up of the zucchini flower's vibrant center highlights its detailed textures and golden tones.

Just as changes occur in nature, similar shifts happen within human beings; we can also sense these transitions affecting our bodies. After following a quick "on-the-go" Summer diet, our bodies might signal a need for proper nutrition. The signs your body may exhibit in Late Summer can include digestive issues, slower digestion, fatigue, bloating, swollen legs and general swelling, headaches, difficulty falling asleep, exacerbation of some chronic conditions, and the return of candida and other fungal issues. These examples indicate that your body is struggling to transform food into nourishing blood. The organs involved are the Stomach and Spleen, and the symptoms appear when their energies are weak and in need of strengthening.


To enhance Stomach and Spleen health during this time, modify your diet to include more cooked foods (such as porridge for breakfast instead of cold yogurt), eliminate ice cream, and incorporate honey and warm water to support your Stomach and Spleen. Begin your day with a glass of warm water. If you experience digestive issues, consume some ginger after meals. Go to bed an hour or half an hour earlier than during holidays to adjust to gradually shorter days and ensure sufficient rest. If you are struggling with symptoms and a feeling of heaviness, eliminate gluten, dairy, and processed sugars from your diet until you feel better.


The Spleen and Stomach are two organs that will assist you in adapting to the approaching Autumn and also play a role in your current mental and psychological transformation.


We are experiencing a truly transformative period in September. It's an ideal time to mentally organize your life and transform the burden of new post-holiday responsibilities into a fresh routine. With the start of a new academic year, our daily habits can be reshaped. It's not about cramming your schedule, but rather creating a sustainable and nourishing rhythm. Let your days unfold like a dance routine—smooth, creative, expressive, and fulfilling. Analyze how you spend your time during the day: how much is dedicated to self-care versus house-care, how much time is spent working and commuting compared to being in nature, and how much time do you spend in front of a screen versus nurturing a hobby or relationship?


What thoughts fill your mind throughout the day? Engaging in conscious reflection, particularly during meditation, can help identify which thoughts should be transformed from repetitive or negative into more productive and positive ones. This practice of mental hygiene can release a significant amount of energy that might otherwise remain trapped.


This period offers your soul a chance to return to its origins after the erratic, vibrant, and social energy of summer. It's an ideal moment to reflect, find your center, and ground yourself to process everything that has occurred. Don't feel guilty if you're not up for hosting another dinner party! This feeling aligns with the present energy. Focus on your needs and nurture yourself with rest and beauty; for instance, enjoy a massage or another pampering experience. Receiving is crucial for transformation of the soul's nourishment.


In certain respects, it's another journey around the Sun since you last had the chance to re-center. What transformation have you already undergone and what aspects within you have matured for metamorphosis? Maybe you're prepared to take on new responsibilities that bring fulfillment and let go of those that are merely burdensome. Perhaps that is part of the heaviness you are feeling this month.


If you find yourself needing help during the transition period of September, schedule a seasonal treatment to support the transformation of food, thoughts, and experiences into nourishment for your body, mind, and soul.












We have just entered the second month of Summer, according to the Su Wen classics.


This is the month running up towards the Solstice, the peak of Summer energy. In Chinese Medicine the Solstice energetically corresponds to the position of an Emperor. Within our being the Emperor is our Heart which is in charge of our body, soul and Spirit. Just as the Emperor is an emblem of the sovereignty of a country, so is our Heart. Being alive and connected to the Earth and Heaven we are gifted with our own empire to take charge of. The more responsibility we take for our body, soul and Spirit, the more we will feel united and whole.


There is no better month to celebrate our personal sovereignty than this middle month of Summer, although this favourable energy continues on to July. So, take time to listen to the music of your Heart and find your own resonance when dealing with things and people.


Another aspect related to the Heart is the brain. Summer energy is also fuelling our thoughts. Our minds are like intermediaries between the Heavenly resonance and the Earthly constructs. Let's be mindful (or better: heartful) about our thoughts! Where do they come from? Whose voice is it? Do our thoughts resonate with our own hearts?


Do take advantage of Summer's illuminating energy to get more clarity into your life through constructive, concentrated thoughts achieved through contemplation. The classics say: "If there is confusion, there will certainly be death".


So, let's get that sunlight in, all the way to our bones. It will be still useful during Winter days, to nurture our body, soul and Spirit. Nourish your body with red coloured fruits (cherries, strawberries, raspberries, watermelon, peaches) to keep the Heart calm and tranquil in the midsummer night's contemplation.


There is no better time to try out the Hearfulness meditation, connecting with your inner Emperor and Sovereign. Simply sign up at the bottom of my web site www.dorotakowal.com in order to receive a zoom link. Meditations run each Monday at 6.30am (CET) in English and each Wednesday at 6.30am (CET) in Italian. Hope it will resonate with you too...















The beginning of May marks the entry into the season of Summer, the Fire Element, according to the Su Wen classic. This year, it is a particularly chilly welcome for the Fire Element. The temperatures seems to be behind a bit as it surely doesn't feel summery as yet. This is partly due to Water Tiger year we are in. Both Water Element and Tiger are Yin in nature (considering Tiger is associated with Metal), so Yang excesses are likely to be dampened down this year.


Fire represents, among other, expansion from ourselves towards others, i.e. socialising, mating. So, we may also feel it socially. Although the beginning of Summer definitely brings out our innate need to connect with others, we still kind of wait off with some social engagements. Coming out of the stagnant post-pandemic scenario does not help either. In any case, that's just because we are right at the beginning of the first month of Summer. It will, I promise, get better. We will feel that buzz of getting together soon, it may only be a bit delayed this year.


I have also noticed some of the heat loving plants are growing somehow timidly. So, we are all in it together. Let's flow with that which the Nature dictates. Perhaps it is teaching us some patience.


Another aspect of the Summer is the sunlight reaching its peak (in the second month) and illuminating our Hearts and Souls. With Summer temperatures and the light rising, our whole being absorbs more light. This year we may notice it happening more suddenly rather than gradually, like shifting from shade into light. The mix of Water as the annual element and Fire as the seasonal element will produce the effect of the light reaching and illuminating the Water depths. So, watch out for your own inner "illuminations" that may start already this month. Let the light in and shine on some more darker aspects of your Soul that hold you in and down too much. In other words, with the sunlight coming into its peak, you may experience illuminating thoughts or ideas about yourself (your thoughts, behaviours), your work (smart solutions), your creations (new inspirations and ideas). Holding those ideas and sharing them with the right people or partners will help you expand on them. That would be one example of how to utilise the energy mix of this coming season.


It is good to be aware that although Water Element dampens the Fire of the Summer, we can still utilise that energetic combination to our fertile use. To remind me of that are the little yellow flowers of Buttercup (Ranunculus). I notice they are particularly wide spread this year. Thinking about it, this plant is merging so well together the light of the sunshine with the wet soil it grows in. What can we do to be like a Buttercup? I leave it to your own interpretation. If you feel like sharing it, feel free to leave a comment.



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Thank you for joining in!

Dorota Anna Kowal
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Fiesole (FI) , Italia

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