AND THE SEASONS, THEY GO ROUND AND ROUND - Joni Mitchell

 

How often to you feel like you’re in-between two things: two meals, two tasks, two days? Between yesterday and today? Nighttime, an in-between time. Nighttime, a reset. Nighttime, Wuji, emptiness. A time for potential, limitlessness, or the unmanifested, the in-between time. Wuji is described as a state of primordial nothingness or the ultimate void from which all things arise.

Viola part from the Opera "Paul Bunyan" by Benjamin Britten
End of Act One. Perfect. 
Sticker Work by Sam Headlee

“… have faith in tomorrow. That these hours of ambiguity and indecision may also be the hours of healing.”

How about the in-between times seasonally. 

It’s late August or early September, the color of the sky seems a little softer, the evening temperatures are much cooler (at least here in Colorado). But here in the Northern Hemisphere, Fall doesn’t “officially” begin until September 22nd, the Fall equinox.

Even meteorologists concur. “This just doesn’t seem right.” They talk about astronomical seasons defined by the tilt of the earth and meteorological seasons determined by the Earth’s temperature. According to meteorologists, Fall begins right after Labor Day, the beginning of September.   

Winter: feels like it around Thanksgiving. Nope.

Spring: we want to start planting our gardens in early to mid March. Nope.

Summer: here in Colorado we can still have Spring snowstorms in June. Yup.

WELCOME TO THE “DOYO” ZONE

DOYO, a Japanese word used in both traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine.

18 days before each equinox or solstice is a transition time, the in-between time. DOYO periods are governed by the Earth element which is most active and requires extra attention to diet, eating at regular times, observing emotions, practicing moderation, and yes, Qigong and moderate exercise.

Below we have the often used generating and controlling cycle of the elements and the seasons. "Late Summer" or what I call "Harvest" falls between Summer and Autumn. Growing up we called this "Indian Summer."

Five Elements, Five Seasons
Harmony Within Acupuncture

I follow this model of four seasons determined by the Solstices and Equinoxes. Whoa, me? A Pragmatist?

DOYO, again is the transitional 18 days at the end of each season. Some people subscribe to the idea that DOYO starts 10 days before the end and lasts 10 days into the following season. Rebels. 

Mend Acupuncture

As you can see, every season is associated with an element. DOYO, again is associated with Earth element which is both Yin and Yang. 

Sympathy and worry are emotions linked to the Earth element. When balanced, the Earth element fosters empathy and compassion, while imbalances can lead to excessive worry, anxiety, or feelings of being taken advantage of.

The Earth element also governs the “Yi,” intention. It's important to be mindful of what we mentally and physically ingest, as these can impact our choices, as well as our emotional and physical well-being.

Recommendations, what to ingest:

Food supporting Earth element:

• Yellow and Orange Foods.
• Naturally Sweet Foods: sweet potatoes, carrots, peaches, rice, squash.
• Whole Grains: short grain brown rice, whole grain breads.

Cooking methods:

• Steaming and slow cooking to maintain nutrients.

Avoid:

• Excessive amounts of dairy, raw foods, and foods that are overly cold or creamy.
• Processed foods and added sugars: Limit or avoid processed foods, added sugar, and overly salty foods. 
• Excessive Sweetness: While natural sweetness is beneficial, excessive amounts of sweet foods can negatively impact the Spleen and Stomach.

Sing:

Yes, Sing! Every element has an associated sound, through which it expresses itself. The sound of the Earth element is singing. Whether your stage is the shower, the car, or in the middle of a park, get those vocal cords warmed up and sing your heart out!

Qigong: 

I wish you all happiness and good health.

Brian