Grounding practices for a new season

As we step into September, many of us feel a familiar sense of "back to school" energy. It’s a time that often brings up memories of new beginnings—filled with both excitement and a touch of anxiety. As we transition from the warmth of summer to the cooler, darker months ahead, it's natural to seek support and stability. This season invites us to reflect on where we are, what we need, and how we can best prepare ourselves for the changes ahead.

Embracing Change with Qigong and Yoga

How do you feel about this time of year? Does "back to school" stir up a mixture of excitement and anxiety for you? The shift from summer to autumn can indeed be challenging as we prepare for the cooler, darker months. I feel the end of summer keenly, too—it’s a time that reminds me of the need for grounding and support as the world around us changes. For this reason, I've created specific courses and class themes that are designed to help us navigate this transition with grace and stability.

Finding Stability in Late Summer: The Earth Element

In Qigong, the late summer is linked to the earth element—a grounding and stabilising force that governs smooth transitions. The earth element is associated with the spleen and stomach meridians in the body. The spleen, regarded as the home of intention, supports us in putting our intentions into action. This makes late summer an ideal time to set intentions and use the stabilising energy of the earth element to help realise them. By aligning with this grounding force, we can find our center, stay grounded, and move with the rhythm of change rather than resist it. This practice helps us maintain balance and harmony, no matter what changes life brings our way.

Tip: As you reflect on your intentions for this season, think about how you can use the grounding energy of the earth element to support you in taking meaningful actions.

The Power of Routine: Discipline and Non-Attachment

Returning to a regular routine can sometimes bring up resistance or reluctance. Yet, there is great power in establishing a rhythm that supports our well-being. In yoga philosophy, two teachings that help me are tapas (inner dedication) and vairagya (non-attachment).

Discipline comes from the Latin word discipulus, meaning "to learn." It’s not about rigid control or harshness but about instruction, knowledge, and growth. True discipline encourages us to stay on a path of learning and self-discovery. It’s about nurturing our capacity to learn and evolve, aligning our actions with our deeper intentions.

Similarly, tapas comes from the Sanskrit root "tap," which means "to heat, to give out warmth, to shine, to burn." This reflects the inner dedication and commitment required to learn and transform. Tapas is about building inner heat—the drive and passion that fuels our practice and keeps us moving forward, even when the path is challenging.

On the other hand, vairagya is about letting go of attachment to outcomes. It's not about being detached or indifferent but rather about dedicating ourselves fully to our practices without getting caught up in what we might gain or lose. This perspective frees us to engage deeply with our learning and growth, finding joy in the process itself rather than fixating on specific results.

Reflection: Consider how these principles can apply to your life this September. What would it look like to approach your daily routines with dedication and non-attachment?

Learning and Growth: A Journey Worth Taking

I always believe that learning new things and deepening our understanding is a worthwhile goal in itself. Whether through Qigong, yoga, or reflective writing, each practice offers a path to greater self-awareness and balance. This is why I have designed the following courses for the new season, to offer support and guidance as we all navigate this period of transition:

Introductory 5-Week Qigong Course at TOSH (The Old School House): Perfect for those who are new to Qigong or want to deepen their practice. This course is designed to help you harness your inner strength and find balance amidst the changing seasons. Learn more and book your spot now!

Embracing the Seasons Course at CODA Music and Arts: This course combines Qigong practice with reflective writing, exploring the emotions associated with the five seasons in Qigong. It’s a wonderful opportunity to grow through both movement and contemplation. Register today and start your journey!

New Terms at St Joseph's and The Bridge: We will delve into the five elements and the corresponding meridian systems, uncovering how these elements influence our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Sign up now to explore me!

Last Chance to Join Outdoor Qigong Sessions!

Don’t forget, September is the final month for our outdoor Qigong sessions at Fisherman’s Walk on Wednesdays! This is a beautiful opportunity to practice Qigong in nature, feel the fresh air, and connect with the changing season. Make the most of these outdoor sessions while you still can—join us to experience the calming and centering energy of Qigong under the open sky. I encourage everyone to come out and be part of this special practice before we move indoors for the colder months.

Reminder: There’s nothing quite like practicing Qigong in the open air. Join us for our final outdoor session and connect with the earth element in a powerful way!

Upcoming Classes and Workshops

You’ll find my full timetable for upcoming classes below Each offering is designed to help you find balance, build resilience, and cultivate a deeper connection to yourself and the world around you:

Register now to secure your place in these transformative practices. Let's support one another as we move through this season of change!

Conclusion: Let’s Embrace Change Together

Let’s embrace this time of transition together, using these ancient practices to guide us through the changing seasons with grace and presence. I hope to see you in one of my upcoming classes, where we can explore these teachings in depth and support one another in our journeys.

I’d love to hear from you: How do you feel about the change of seasons? Share your thoughts by emailing me, or if you have any questions about our courses and practices!