Seasonal Grief and Letting Go: The Earth Element’s Wisdom in Traditional Chinese Medicine

As the exuberance of summer gently softens into the quiet reflection of late summer and early autumn, we often find ourselves slowing down. The days grow shorter, the air becomes heavier with moisture, and nature itself begins its gradual process of release. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this time of year is intimately tied to the Earth element—a phase of grounding, centering, and transition.

But there’s more beneath the surface. Along with this seasonal shift comes a subtle emotional undercurrent: grief. Not the loud, aching kind we associate with profound loss, but the tender, bittersweet sensation of letting go. It’s the grief of change, of impermanence, of turning the page. And in TCM, the Earth element offers guidance on how to honor these emotions and let go with grace.

The Earth Element: Bridge Between Seasons

In the Five Element theory of TCM, Earth is the center. It supports and nourishes all other elements, and it governs the late summer period, often described as the “season between seasons.” Earth represents digestion—not just physical digestion of food, but also emotional digestion and mental processing.

When we move from one season to another, there’s an internal reckoning that must occur. We process our experiences, sift through what has served us, and begin to release what no longer aligns. In the same way that the Spleen and Stomach transform food into usable Qi, Earth energy transforms our internal landscape as we prepare for what lies ahead.

The Grief of Letting Go

Grief isn’t only for mourning a person. It also arises when we release routines, goals, identities, or simply the warm, vibrant pace of summer. There’s grief in the fading light, the cooler nights, and the sense that another chapter is closing. We might not even consciously name this grief—but our bodies feel it. Fatigue may rise. Appetite may shift. Our thoughts may turn more inward.

In TCM, grief is traditionally associated with the Metal element (which follows Earth in the seasonal cycle), but it is Earth that prepares us for that release. Earth grounds us so that when the time comes to surrender, we can do so with balance and support. Without that nourishment, the process of letting go can feel destabilizing.

Supporting Earth Energy Through Seasonal Grief

So how do we honor the grief that arises during seasonal transitions? How do we use the wisdom of the Earth element to move through it in a healthy, supportive way?

1. Nourish the Spleen and Stomach

One of the most direct ways to support the Earth element is through food. This is the time to favor warm, cooked meals with mildly sweet flavors—think roasted root vegetables, steamed grains like millet or rice, and congee with warming spices. Avoid raw, cold foods that dampen Spleen Qi. A well-fed body helps us feel emotionally anchored.

2. Cultivate Thoughtful Reflection

The Earth element also governs our ability to think clearly and reflect without ruminating. Carve out time to journal, take mindful walks, or simply sit with your thoughts without judgment. The goal isn’t to fix or solve but to witness and process. This helps us integrate experiences rather than obsess over them.

3. Create Rituals of Release

Mark the transition with intentional rituals. Write down things you’re ready to let go of—habits, narratives, expectations—and safely burn the paper as a symbolic gesture. Clean out your home. Let go of clutter. Even something as simple as raking leaves can become a meditative practice of release.

Earth as a Companion Through Change

The Earth element reminds us that we don’t have to rush to the next season. We can sit in the pause between movements, holding space for both what was and what will be. Earth energy is steady, compassionate, and patient. It teaches us that letting go isn’t an act of rejection, but of nourishment. Just as trees release their leaves to conserve energy for winter, we too release so we can grow.

If this season stirs a quiet sadness in you, you’re not alone. It’s a natural part of being attuned to the rhythms of the Earth. With the right support, grief becomes not a burden, but a teacher—a gentle reminder that all things change, and in that change, there is beauty.

So here’s to the pause, the breath between moments, the fertile ground of letting go. May your Earth stay nourished and your heart, lightened.

Wistfully yours, with muddy boots and a warm bowl of soup,

Jake