Welcome to Late Summer...............

Sun Setting over Eaton's Neck, NY 

   I never know exactly when the season of Late Summer actually begins. I know that it's August and regardless you can still feel Summer winding down - just subtle hints like a few cooler nights here and there blending in with remnants of heat waves on other days and nights.

   Curious too - like this morning the winds are from the north and yet Summer is meant predominantly southwest winds here in this part of the world. Once August begins it also seems like there are more storms - and these days it's heavy rains. It seems like it is trying to compensate for the intense heat and dryness of of the Dog Days of Summer towards the end of July.

   So yes it is a gradual thing and then as with all seasons you eventually just find yourself in the full blossom of the season - yet still wondering where it began and when the last season ended.

   It used to be like clockwork. August 5th was the day when I'd wake to a sudden chill in the air - especially when compared to Summer heat - and I'd have to wear long sleeves and sometimes a light sweater.

   I suppose that could be a sign of things to come or a signal. So how does one prepare exactly when knowing seasons will change. Maybe it's good enough to consciously know the change is coming and start to prepare. Better still is if you can sense the changes approaching.

   So we shift - to less intense activity - a sense of slowing down - and in doing so are able to appreciate what Summer has brought us - such as being out in nature - gardening - hiking the trails in the mountains or activities and more travel. We seem more outward - seek new experiences and or adventures - like a hunger.

   We plan our last vacations knowing Summer will be ending and then Autumn brings the harvest and preparation for Winter.

   With all of that being said Late Summer is a season according to Chinese tradition of five seasons. Yet it's like a gentle transition between the heat of Summer and coolness of Autumn - which then prepares us for the cold on Winter. Seasons and cycles and our bodies and lives adjust accordingly.

   Yes we do shift from outward to inward which prepares us for Autumn and Winter. Diet should gradually become a little heavier with more protein and whole grains, seeds, nuts and beans. Keep up your physical strength with regular exercise.

   The element for Late Summer is Earth which makes me think of needing to be grounded. The organs related to this time are the stomach and spleen which are related to digestion and nourishment. The sense is taste - so savor your food and focus on nourishment. The color associated with this time is yellow and the emotion is sympathy. The sound is singing - which reminds me of a young lady who used to walk the grid of my neighborhood and the boardwalks with her large dog and sing at the top of her lungs - never caring that she was singing completely off key!

  The taste is sweet which makes me think of a nice cup of herbal tea with a touch of honey.

   So Friends, be well and see you again for the Autumnal Equinox.

Maery

P.S. For more of my work I have several books available on Amazon 

"Gluten Free on the Go - You Can Take It With You" - "Gluten Free Home Cooking and Tradition"

"Monet and Me - Adventures in Life and Art" "Monet and Me- Going Home" "Walking with Dickens and Tales of Art"