Again: nothing wrong with you

it's just the Fifth season

I just learned that "Late Summer" is considered a separate season in Traditional Chinese Medicine, running from mid-August to Fall Equinox… and this might explain why we’re feeling a bit “in-between” right now. If you feel quite indecisive these days, just know that you are not the only one.

The Yang, masculine, Sun energy of the Summer is fading away, but we are not quite yet in the Yin, feminine, Moon energy of Fall: you don’t feel like wearing a linen dress anymore, but you are not ready for a cashmere sweater either (a merino wool vest or a cashmere vest is the perfect Late Summer top if you ask me).

Maybe you even feel the pressure of the last quarter, Q4, approaching, and you are confused that nine months of 2024 have already passed, leaving you feeling like you should have become someone else by now. Maybe people on the internet are trying to convince you that you can achieve impossible goals in just 90 days, and it's making you feel uneasy. Maybe it’s another kind of discomfort… You’ll know.

But can we just pause for a second and enjoy the beauty of this transition? Yes, we can. Here and now. Here is my list for extra grounding.

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Things I find extremely comforting right now

In no particular order, here is what I am loving right now.

• Stargazing. Around 9 pm, set up a blanket and pillows on the balcony, and lie down to watch the stars. Download the app SkyView, for example, and learn about the stars. We have been doing this every night with Eā, and it’s such a special moment.

• Snacks. Buy organic Medjool dates, remove the pit, and add white almond butter. Enjoy it as a snack! No medjool dates? Slice an apple and dip it in the almond butter. No almond butter? Just sprinkle some grounded cardamom or cinnamon.

• Sunlight. First thing in the morning, go get some natural sunlight on your skin. I go on the balcony for a few minutes, and not only it helps me to wake up and feel energized, but it improves my mood throughout the day.

• Smart shopping. Shop for closed-toe shoes (in my basket right now: pointed slingback heels, modern loafers, mary jane flats, slingback ballet flats, etc.)!

• Socks. Buy new socks to wear with your closed-toe shoes (or not). I got navy blue, heather grey, sunny orange and scarlet red. The code FRIEND-SRQXPNC at checkout gives you 20% off sitewide, valid until September 12th. You’re welcome.

• Capturing ideas. Get a new planner with one page per day for quick idea capturing and journaling. I love this agenda very much. It’s perfect to keep on your bedside table or your desk. Get the matching everyday fountain pen in a stunning happy yellow!

• Kundalini. Start a new 40-day meditation practice. How about Sat Kriya? Here are the instructions. Start with a 3-minute daily practice. It will make you feel better, 100% — My dear husband

  HANSU JOT
  just released the best Sat Kriya track, so enjoy!

• Quiet space. Light up a candle. I love the hinoki wood-scented candle from Muji, in a tin can. The scent is divine, and perfect for this season.

• Inspiration. Start a new Pinterest board with all the things that spark joy in you right now, without overthinking it. Here is my current mood board!

• Self-love. Get a luxury hand balm and keep it on your desk or by your bed. Moisturized hands are extremely chic.

• Reading. Books!! I am currently reading The Courage To Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. A dialogue between a philosopher and a young man about creating a life we love, based on Adlerian psychology. I read Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell and it has helped me to connect the dots about what success is made of. Hint: it’s not what you think. I re-read The Game of Life and How to Play It by Florence Scovel Shinn, and it reminded me of the spiritual laws governing our lives.

• Kundalini. Join the best kundalini membership out there with Birjiwan, and try the special “detoxification” short class, perfect for this time of the year (have some prune juice ready).

• Astrology. Book a Seasons of Self reading with

  Nicole Doyle
  . She will read your natal chart before the session and tell you all you need to know about your rhythm so that you can reclaim your vitality. It might be Late Summer, but you might very well feel very different, and there is nothing wrong with you!!

• Style, not trends. Go to your existing wardrobe, and spend some time creating outfit formulas that make you feel great. Take mirror pictures, add them to a folder, and go back to it for reference.

• Kitchen. Bake a cake or a loaf of bread. Turn on the oven and bake something lovely for your loved ones.

• Substack. Download the app and whenever you are tempted to open Instagram or Tiktok, open Substack instead. You’ll be glad you did it. Alternatively: start your publication (and book your 1:1 consultation if you need accountability or support).

• Matcha. Buy a new matcha tin. The Uji Organic Premium is perfect for a daily homemade matcha (I buy the 100gr bag). I like it with almond coconut milk (this one).

• Journaling. Use those 22 questions to bring you instant clarity. It works like a charm!

• Tie up loose ends. What needs to be completed before the Fall Equinox? Make the list, and schedule time to take action. The time is now.

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→ Without knowing it, I was channeling our Late Summer selves here:

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Bless you,

Ardas Chandra

Website — Instagram — TikTok — Substack — Pinterest — Buy Me A Matcha