We have entered my most favorite time of year. Earth is the name that the Chinese give to the energy of late summer. Earth is the time of harvest and gathering. It is the midpoint in the cycle of life. The time when we raise a family, create a body of work, settle down, and begin to reap the rewards of our labors. Our thoughts turn to nurturing, parenting, mentoring and mothering.
Earth governs our bodies, our flesh and our ability to nourish ourselves through the foods that we eat. Earth governs our cycles - sleeping, eating and breathing. Earth energy also helps us on a mental level to digest ideas, process experiences and form thoughts. Out of balance Earth can be obsessive, obstinate and stubborn.
The emotion connected with Earth is sympathy. When we are at home in ourselves, we can feel compassion and sympathy for all life and a desire to care for all of creation. Spiritually, Earth energy grants us the capacity to be grounded in reality and to be balanced.
Earth energy can be heavy, dense and humid so issues of dampness, swelling and edema often arise during this time of year. Watch out for stickiness, heaviness, stagnation, sore limbs, sluggish digestion and excess mucous.
The organs associated with late summer are the stomach and spleen which help us break down, digest, and distribute nourishment. The peak time of day for these organs are 7 - 9 am and 9 - 11 am respectively. This is why, at least from a taoist perspective, it is recommended to eat your largest meal of the day during this time and why those who don’t often find themselves eating too much late at night when the stomach and spleen are weakest.
The Earth element is one of the most important elements to maintain these days because so much of our Earth is disturbed by computers, the internet and electro magnetic frequencies. We are easily knocked off balance. Fortunately, a connection to our bodies and embodiment practices, like yoga, will help us to stay grounded.
All embodiment practices bring you more into your body. Standing poses, forward bends and restorative poses are some of the most grounding. Practices like Tadasana, Mountain Pose, and Dandasana, Staff Pose, can easily be practiced outside in a park or in your own backyard. Simply making a physical connection with the Earth is grounding. Read on for some other practices for this time of year.
With Love & Compassion,
Sara Agelasto
New Classes with Iyengar Yoga Teacher: Lois Steinberg
Over 20 new Iyengar Yoga Classes including Intermediate, Advanced and Pranayama Classes are available now with sought-after Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher, Lois Steinberg! Visit our Download Store to access our collection of over 200 classes with this experienced teacher. Listen to Samples and Download Lois' Classes from Beginner to Advanced Now!
Featured Download: Standing Poses with Bobby Clennell
Standing poses are some of the most grounding poses we can practice. When we are feeling disconnected or uprooted, standing poses are a yogic remedy for reconnecting and grounding. We have several recordings focused on standing poses in our collection.
We also want to highlight a workshop we recorded in Charlottesville, Virginia with Senior Teacher, Bobby Clennell. These recordings include an illustrated sequence illustrated by Bobby Clennell herself! Listen to Samples and Download the recordings in our Store.
Yoga for Arthritis Level I Intensive Now Available!
We are so excited to add the recordings we created with Yoga for Arthritis Expert, Dr. Steffany Moonaz!
These recordings include the entirety of her Level I trainings for both practitioners & teachers. The recordings include research and lectures on how to skillfully work with people with arthritis as well as 4 practice classes to use as a student or to inform your teaching practices. There is so much information in these classes and we cannot wait for you to experience them! Visit our Download Store to Sample and Access These Recordings Now!
Sweet Foods for the Earth Element
Sweet is the Taste of the Earth Element. Carbohydrates make up the sweet taste including foods like fruits and grains. Rice is a delicious carbohydrate to eat for a sweet taste. The ultimate sweet dessert are dates. I use a modified variation of Brigitte Mars recipe for Rawsome Energy Balls for a balanced sweet treat.
1 cup pecans
1 cup of pitted dates
2 Tbsp Cacao Powder
1/4 tsp Vanilla Powder
1/2 tsp Sea Salt - To Taste
1/2 tsp Coconut Oil - To Blend
Food Process and roll into 1/2 Tbsp balls. Cover with your favorite fruit, nut or seed. I love to use unsweetened coconut flakes. Enjoy!