Dear Reader, Happy September! Today's blog is about the 5th season, reflection, and renewal.
Saying goodbye to summer and embracing a season of renewal.
September Saudade
There’s a beautiful word, saudade, 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.”
To me, saudade perfectly represents the month of September.
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.
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.
I wrote a blog about this transitional season, and more about the TCM symbolism.
“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
The September Reset
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!). The September Challenge starts September 10, 2024 and is FREE to members of our community.
I have a special announcement that I'll be revealing on 9.1.7.24, just in time for my birthday. It's the reason I originally wanted to start my startup...and the culmination of years of trial and error with reversing my biological age. I'll announce it on LinkedIn and of course, on Rêve Health. Stay tuned!