Less Full
RITUAL: Balancing | SOLAR TERM: Xiao Man | SEASON: Summer
May 21 - June 5
The eighth solar term of the Chinese calendar is called Xiao Man. The second solar term of Summer of Xiao Man has two meanings depending on the climate. Both are related with the cultivation of crops, particularly cereal grains like wheat and rice.
In the southern regions, Xiao Man is related with the abundance of rainfall. It’s the time of year when there’s an increase in precipitation from heavy rains and frequent showers. This early Summer rain ensures there will be sufficient water to irrigate the fields and farmland.
In the northern regions, Xiao Man is called “Grain Buds” and is associated with the maturation of wheat. It’s the time of year when kernels are plump, but not yet fully ripe. Also known as “Lesser Fullness of Grain”, this solar term signifies the wheat’s degree of ripeness.
Originally, Xiao Man meant “to overflow” or “to be full”. The heavy and frequent rainfall this time of year gradual fills the rivers, making the water levels rise, sometimes causing it to overflow. Confucian teachings caution against being too full to the point of overflowing, as it’s believed that “excessive fullness invites loss” and “extremes lead to reversals”.
Xiao Man represents a state of balance, having enough but not too much. It’s symbolized by the river that is full but not overflowing and the wheat grains that are plump but not fully ripened.
Xiao Man is the perfect time to begin establishing some balance in your life. In addition to Nourishing Yin, look to see where you might be out of balance in your life or work. Is your plate overfull or your schedule overfilled? How can you enjoy a full life without becoming overwhelmed, overly stressed or overworked? As we enter the most yang season of Summer, think about what you can do to nurture your passions without burning out.
In early Summer, the balancing and stabilizing energy of the Earth element eases the transition from Spring into Summer. Because of this, eating nourishing foods that support your digestion are emphasized. Traditional Chinese medicine recommends eating wild vegetables and bitter greens and herbs. They help the body to cool down and reduce internal heat, as the days continue to get longer and hotter.
This time of year, it’s wise to make good use of the daylight and conscientious about the effect excessive heat has on the body. Rise with the sun to get some work done in the garden before it gets too hot. Then, enjoy indoor activities during the hottest hours of the afternoon. And avoid intense exercise and the excessive sweating that depletes both yin and yang energy.
This time of year, we need to avoid getting overheated without extinguishing our vital internal fire. Have enough heat to keep the fires burning, but avoid degrees and durations of heat that burn us out. Take precautions to prevent heatstroke. And take the time to do a proper cool down and hydrate after exercising or being out in the sun.
While many people like to drink ice cold beverages during the long, hot summer, it’s better to drink room temperature water to cool down. That way the body doesn't have to work so hard to bring that icy water up to your body’s temperature.
This time of year it’s also best to begin eating less. Stop eating before you feel full. And avoid raw and cold foods, as well as, greasy and spicy foods. Cooling and hydrating foods that nourish yin are: adzuki and mung beans, winter melon and watermelon, cucumbers and water chestnuts, carrots and celery, sweet potatoes and Chinese yams. Add fresh cooling herbs like cilantro, mint and dill to your summer salads.
Share in the comments how you plan to practice being less full and bringing more balance to your life.
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Dara Eden is the author of HER Rituals for the Divine Feminine, a periodical guide created in December of 2021. The 8 Elements, her life’s work, provides guidance about how to honor the essential needs and highest values of your personal feng shui element. Inspired by an Internet challenge designed for men, she created 365WISE, a daily self-care practice that supports women in honoring their needs and listening to their inner wisdom.
In HER Rituals, she offers insights, ideas and intuitive guidance about ways to honor your needs, values and unique expression of the divine feminine.
HER Rituals is a Womb Wisdom KeepHER’s guide to cyclical rituals for sovereign women. It provides insightful information, inspirational ideas and intuitive guidance on daily and seasonal rituals you can practice as a form of self-care. Read about ancient wisdom and philosophical principles, holistic approaches and traditional skills, slow work and intentional living, embodiment practices and immersive experiences.
