September Saudade
There’s a beautiful word, saudade, one of those “untranslatable” words, that I think of as late summer fades into fall. It is Portuguese, derived from the Latin word for solitude. My favorite definition of saudade is by Portuguese writer Manuel de Melo: “a pleasure you suffer, an ailment you enjoy.”
A nostalgia for something that has not happened yet, but you feel a certain sadness yet hope about. To me, that word represents September and the 5th season.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concept of late summer has its own season, the “5th season.” It’s a unique period that bridges the gap between the peak of summer and the beginning of autumn. This season is associated with the Earth element, which symbolizes stability, nourishment, and transformation.
September is, as many of you know, my birthday month. I think it is the best month! It’s the month many of us associate with starting school or moving into new places.
It’s a time when our bodies and minds are naturally inclined toward renewal. By aligning ourselves with the rhythms of nature, we can harness the power of September to reset, renew, and reflect.
The Earth Element in TCM
The Earth element represents the center and is often considered the most balanced and stable of the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water). It is associated with qualities such as grounding, stability, and nurturing, much like the soil that supports all plant life. In our bodies, the Earth element corresponds to the spleen and stomach, which are responsible for digestion and the transformation of food into vital energy or “Qi.”
A strong Earth element is essential for proper nourishment and the body’s ability to maintain homeostasis. Symbolically, the Earth element embodies the ability to provide, support, and nourish oneself and others, making it a central theme in maintaining both physical and emotional well-being.
“In its central position the Earth is the pivot for all of the other Elements which encircle and spin around it. It is a place of stability within the body, mind, and spirit. From this stable anchor, change and growth can take place. Our food can be transformed and processed by the Stomach and Spleen and turned into qi that nourishes the mind, body, and spirit.”
Angela Hicks, Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture
Embracing September as a Time for New Beginnings
The 5th season, or late summer, is considered crucial because it marks a shift from the outward expansion and growth of spring and summer to the inward contraction and conservation associated with autumn and winter.
During this period, the energy (Qi) in nature and your body starts to change direction. This shift is viewed as an opportunity for renewal and balance, emphasizing the importance of grounding oneself and preparing for the colder months ahead.
September’s energy is inherently supportive of new beginnings and healthy transformations. It is a time to reflect on one’s health, address any imbalances, and start new wellness regimens to support the body’s transition into the cooler months.
This might involve dietary changes, such as incorporating more warming and nourishing foods, or lifestyle adjustments, such as focusing on activities that promote relaxation and grounding.
Understanding the significance of this season and its associations with health can guide you in maintaining harmony within your body and mind, preparing you for the changes that this season brings.
Tips to Reset Your Body and Mind in September:
Incorporate Daily Movement:
Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, is a simple yet effective way to boost your overall health. Walking not only improves cardiovascular fitness but also helps clear the mind, reduce stress, and improve mood. The rhythmic nature of walking can be particularly grounding during the autumn months, helping to balance the introspective energy of the season. Whether it’s a brisk morning walk to start your day or a calming evening stroll, making movement a daily habit sets the tone for a healthier lifestyle.
Limit Blue Light
With shorter days and longer nights, our bodies naturally prepare for more rest. However, exposure to blue light from screens can disrupt our circadian rhythm, making it difficult to get a restful night’s sleep. By reducing screen time and avoiding phones or tablets at least an hour before bed, we can promote deeper, more restorative sleep. This practice not only supports overall health but also aligns with the season’s theme of slowing down and turning inward, allowing our bodies to recharge and renew.
Reduce Sugar Intake
Cutting back on sugar can have a profound impact on our health, particularly as we prepare for winter. High sugar intake is linked to inflammation, weakened immune function, and energy crashes, which are all counterproductive during a season when we need to bolster our defenses. By reducing or eliminating added sugars, we can stabilize our energy levels, support immune function, and reduce the risk of winter illnesses. This dietary change complements the overall theme of letting go, as it encourages us to release habits that do not serve our highest good.
Join Our September Reset
These three strategies—daily movement, limiting blue light exposure, and reducing sugar intake—are not just isolated health tips; they are practices that resonate deeply with the spirit of September. This is a month of renewal encouraging us to embrace change, let go of the old, and cultivate habits that nourish our bodies and minds.
By aligning ourselves with the natural rhythms of autumn and the principles of TCM, we prepare ourselves not just for winter, but for a healthier, more balanced life.
September is a reminder that every ending is an opportunity for a new beginning.
It’s why we created the September Challenge through my startup, Rêve Health. It’s a three week challenge to commit to nurturing our bodies, calming our minds, and preparing ourselves for the colder months.
We’ll reduce sugar, get some movement each day, and limit our phone use at night (no phones in bed!).
With a renewed sense of purpose and clarity, we can enter the winter months stronger, healthier, and more aligned with our true selves.
The September Challenge starts September 10, 2024 and is FREE to members of our community.
