The Story of Earth: Part 3 of the Five Phases of Energy

Earth creates order out of chaos. The energy of Earth is contained in the organs of the Stomach (yang) and Spleen (yin). When referring to the Spleen, we also include the pancreas. Earth comes from Fire and is considered the main stabilising force of the Five Elements. It is at the centre of everything and change happens slowly as Yang forces change gently to Yin, or vice-versa.

The Stomach is responsible for the second stage of digestion, chewing being the first stage. The Spleen acts primarily as a filter, removing waste material from the blood. In Eastern medicine the Stomach not only controls the breaking down of foods but also directs the movement of Qi. The Spleen-Pancreas builds Blood and Qi; controls tissue and holds things in place, helping to prevent prolapse; it opens to the mouth and manifests in the lips; and it houses thought. As well as stomach and appetite disorders, things like worry, over-thinking, confusion, obsession, anxiety and self-pity can indicate problems with Earth energy.

The season of Earth is late summer, or Indian summer, and is also related to the transition between the seasons. Earth manages the forces of the other elements and helps to bring them into balance. It is the time when fruits and flowers are maturing and reaching their full potential. In human development, it is represented by early adulthood when many people think of ‘settling down’ and consider the stabilising effects of home and family.

Earth gives us food that are naturally sweet, such as root vegetables and a wide variety of fruits. Also included are grains, mushrooms and some herbs. All food should be well chewed to aid the process of digestion and make the stomach’s job easier. The Spleen likes warm foods so constantly eating cold and raw foods can weaken the Spleen. It also dislikes slimy food such as ice cream and yogurt and drinks that we might normally have ice cold, are better at room temperature.

Earth is also exemplified in human behaviour when people collect things. Whether it’s coins or classic cars, it is this gathering action that is part of Earth’s energy. People coming together to build a community is also Earth energy in motion. Collecting becomes a problem when it changes into clutter and indicates an Earth imbalance.

In terms of projects, this is the time when we have dealt with all the teething problems and the exuberance of Fire has settled down. Now procedures are in place and things are running smoothly.

Earth promotes the existence of Metal by producing ores. We will discuss Metal, as well as Water, in the next issue.

Eileen Rolland began learning Tai Chi and Qigong in 1997 and has taught classes in both disciplines since 2004. Now that she is retired, she uses her training and experience in her writing.

Find out more about Eileen @: www.eileenrolland.com

What is a Mood Board?

by Gerdie van Wingerden

A Mood Board is a collage to give you ideas of styles or colours you would like to use. When you think of a plan, making a Mood Board can help you to visualise your ideas. Some thoughts for a makeover for your home can be helped as it makes your thoughts less abstract. You can make a Mood Board online on Pinterest, for example, by searching for certain words and saving the pictures. More practical is a physical Mood Board. One made on simple cardboard. In my blog (see below), I explain more about this as well.

What can you use it for?

A Mood Board is a great start when you plan to make changes, or you just want to weigh things up. You can make a Mood Board about yourself. From magazines, you can cut pictures, quotes, and colours you like. This way, you’ll get a good idea of who you are, and others can get to know you that way as well. This is great if you want to work with other people. My blog is about Homes, and Mood Boards are ideal for this. Maybe you’re thinking of doing up your bathroom or kitchen. There are so many colours, textures, and ideas. Choosing one style can be hard. Whilst thinking about the room you’re going to work on, collect home magazines and think about the room. What will you use it for?

Making a Mood Board

As we said, you can make a Mood Board online via Pinterest. It’s easy to use and you can access your Mood Board whenever you need to. Pinterest even remembers what you’ve been looking for, so gives plenty of suggestions.

I prefer a paper Mood Board. You can glue things onto your board, like paint and fabric samples and of course pictures from magazines. Don’t just pick photos of things you like, but also choose those where you like the atmosphere of a room. And you can always chop up a picture, just to get the colour scheme. Add pictures that suit you and that enhance your plans. Use a large piece of cardboard, such as A3. It’s easier to make a board per room, rather than for the entire house. On the back of the Mood Board, you can keep a list with the names of colours and shops that you liked, as well as maybe a map to show the layout of the room. That way, your Mood Board isn’t just fun, it’s useful as well.

Besides my blog, I offer help with designing rooms, it’s wonderful to be able to help somebody to choose their colours and styles.

Gerdie van Wingerden is a Dutch blogger and mother of four children. She loves to share her passion for homemaking and interior design. Gerdie works in a Home and Giftshop as a stylist, as well offering her services as advisor on her website, No34.nl, where her blogs are regularly posted as well. https://www.no34.nl/interieur/zijden-bloemen/