SEPTEMBER: THE FIFTH SEASON
- BYC
- Sep 5
- 5 min read
The Fifth Season: Nurturing Yourself in the Transition from Summer to Fall
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the year isn’t divided into just four seasons. There is a fifth season—a transitional time that bridges the energetic shift between summer and fall. This brief but powerful period, often referred to as late summer, offers us a chance to pause, ground ourselves, and prepare for the cooler, inward-moving energy of autumn.
The Energy of Late Summer
Late Summer is connected with the earth element in Chinese medicine. Where spring brings growth and renewal, summer brings expansion and joy, and fall encourages letting go, the Earth season is about stability, nourishment and balance. Think of it as a time to come back to center, to digest not only your food but also your experiences.
During this season, the organs most influenced are the stomach and spleen. These govern digestion, assimilation, and the ability to feel grounded. When balanced, we feel nourished, strong, and at ease. When out of balance, we may feel worry, fatigue, or digestive discomfort.
How to Care for Yourself in the Fifth Season
Because this season is short and transitional, it’s easy to miss. Yet, taking time to honor it can make your body and mind feel more supported as you move toward autumn. Here are a few simple ways to care for yourself during Late Summer:
Nourish with seasonal foods: Enjoy naturally sweet, grounding foods like squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, corn, millet, and rice. These support the Spleen and Stomach, helping you feel balanced.
Practice gentle grounding yoga: Focus on postures that connect you to the Earth, like Mountain Pose, Malasana (yogi squat), or a slow, mindful flow that emphasizes stability.
Strengthen your center: Breathwork and core-focused practices can help balance digestive energy and increase resilience.
Create time to digest life: Just as your body needs time to digest food, your mind and spirit need space to process experiences. Journaling, meditation, or simply slowing down your schedule supports this.
Balance giving and receiving: The Earth element is about generosity and nourishment. Notice if you’re over-giving or under-receiving, and make space for both.
A Season of Centering
As summer’s fiery, outward energy begins to wane, Late Summer invites us back to ourselves. It’s a season to center, nourish, and prepare for the reflective energy of autumn. By honoring this fifth season with mindful movement, grounding practices, and nourishing foods, you set yourself up for a smoother, more balanced transition into fall. Think of this as your invitation to pause, return to your foundation, and tend to the Earth within you.
FLASH SALE!
re-TREAT yourself to a one day yoga retreat this fall in Brighton MI! We have rented a house with a cozy fall vibe that backs up to the beautiful Brighton Recreation Area. Fall leaves will be transforming into full color. We'll spend the day doing yoga, meditation, breathwork, inter personal work focusing on the phases of you. All of your meals will be provided and enjoyed with excellent company from our community. Get the sale price now through Sunday, 9/7.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS + EVENTS
SUMMER POP UPS!
Throughout the summer, you can look for pup ups at various classes times and teachers. For the month of August, we have a Hot Vinyasa and a Yin coming for you at noon. If you have a lunch break, like to sleep in or just weren't able to make it to your usual class, these are for you! These classes are included with membership. Drop in rates still apply.
ONE DAY FALL YOGA RETREAT
Get ready to spend a cozy fall day in the beautiful leaves in peak color near the Brighton Recreation Area. We will do yoga on the patio, hike through the woods, meditate in the field, journal and build community throughout the day. There will be an opportunity to dig deep into your energy with Robin Shepherd through reiki and chakra work and celebrate all of your phases in enneagram with Jill Bourbonaise. All of your meals will be warm, nourishing and served by the fire throughout the day. You will be provided with a carefully curated bag to give you everything you need for the day and plenty of opportunity for fun.
There are only 10 spots left! Save yours today.
POP-UP: YINYASA & YOGA NIDRA
Special Pop-Up Class: Friday, October 10th @ 6:00-7:30 PM
Relax. Release. Reconnect.
Join Catherine Walker for a deeply nourishing experience that blends the best of both worlds: gentle movement and grounded stillness. In this special class, you’ll begin with YinYasa — a slow, mindful flow where each movement leads into a longer-held yin pose. Expect to awaken the body gently, then settle deeply into rest and release.
✨ Flow through intentional asanas✨ Soften into grounding yin holds✨ Close with 20–30 minutes of blissful Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation to soothe your nervous system and restore inner calm.
This is your invitation to slow down, let go, and reconnect with your breath, body, and self.
All levels welcome.
This class is included with monthly membership, usual drop in rates apply.
SPOOKY GLOW FLOW
Spooky season is just around the corner!!!
Join Brighton Yoga Center for a night of spooky fun as you flow under black lights in the studio. This class will be a non-heated, Vinyasa style class to upbeat, loud, modern music. Glow in the dark paint, glow necklaces and bracelets will be provided at the studio.
Painting festivities will kick off at 6:30 and class will begin at 7:00 and end at 8:00PM.
What a great way to get in the spooky mood and kick off your weekend. Come on your own or bring a friend!
Wear a fun costume or come as yourself. :)
Friday, October 24, 2024
6:30 PM -8:00 PM
Price: $35 when purchased online ahead of time. $40 when purchased as a walk-in at the door.
WINTER BAZAAR: LOCAL ARTIST HOLIDAY SHOP
Calling all local makers and artists! If you would like to bring your goods and artwork to sell at the studio, submit an artist application by November 21st! If you would like to shop, you can look forward to December 6th!
If you have been thinking about coming in for class, this is your sign to get here! All new clients can experience their first class on us. After that, take advantage of the new member class pack: $50 for 5 classes, one month expiration after date of purchase. $10/ class, what a deal! You can sign up on the mindbody app or stop into the studio and we'll set you up!
Comments