Late Summer - A Time of Reflection

 Dawn at Montauk, NY

   It's that time again when Summer reaches its full height - with record breaking temperatures soaring into heat indices of 105 - 126 degrees across the country - and then suddenly it breaks as a cold front comes through. Temperatures plunge down to 64 degrees and storms move across the country. Heavy rains, flooding, lightning, trees down. We were spared in my area but other parts of the Island were severely flooded.

   There was already a sense of Late Summer onsetting despite the heat, for after the Dog Days of late July you get a sense of change coming. Days are getting a bit shorter and cooler temperatures will start to arrive, but not until Summer and the Sun give their last gasp of a few more heat waves. Until gradually Late Summer will transition into Fall.

   So it's a time of reflection - what have we done or accomplished over the last few months. And where do we go from here.

   Of course Late Summer is a 5th season that exists only in Chinese lore, so for most of us we consider this time to still be Summer. But nevertheless you can feel a shift. Summer has reached its peak.

   Late Summer of course is related to the element of Earth, which is more grounding than the robust Fire we have just come through. It is also the time of harvest so there is plenty of rich produce available in the stores and on the many farm stands that dot the Island on both the north and south shores.

   The organs or body systems related to Earth are the stomach and the spleen. The stomach to do with nourishment and digestion - and the spleen helps to distribute the energy from foods through the body. Often, if out of balance, stomach viruses and upset appear during this time. Your stomach will ache and you will think it is something you ate. It is just more sensitive at this time.

   The throat and the mouth are also under the influence of Earth and the color associated with this time is yellow, also very earthy in its nature. With this being the time of harvest one would naturally tend toward fruits and vegetables in their diet but also start building towards the Fall diet to come so to include more protein than in Spring and Summer.

   No matter what any transition from one season to another can be taxing, so it is important to take care of oneself by eating well and getting the proper rest. I know for myself I make an effort to continue to spend as much time outdoors in nature as I can because I know all too soon it will be too cold to be outdoors too long. Last year there was an abrupt shift early in the Fall - in October - where I had to turn the heat on in the house way before I usually do. I take long walks especially by the water, or sit in the yard, and cleaning up all the summer projects outdoors that are not finished yet - like trimming and weeding and seeing what areas need new seed for next year.

   It's a bit wistful this season, which only deepens in the Fall so I spend quiet time in meditation. It's been a good Summer with many new adventures and seeing friends old and new - so I have no complaints.

   I hope each of you finds your own sense of contentment.

   Be well

Maery