Letting Nourishment In

The Earth element teaches us something essential about nourishment: it is not only the availability of nourishing resources that determines whether we feel fulfilled, but our capacity to truly receive them.

We can be surrounded by abundance—food, comfort, information, care—and yet still feel empty or dissatisfied. When nourishment cannot be fully received, it never quite lands. This often leaves us in a cycle of striving for more, believing that the next thing will finally satisfy us.

This is something I see frequently in our culture. Many people have ample resources, yet still experience a deep sense of scarcity. There is a constant reaching, consuming, and searching, paired with a persistent feeling of being unfulfilled. This time of year, in particular, tends to bring this theme to the surface as it is season of giving and receiving. When we have an unbalanced relationship with this act this season can exhaust us, often giving too much and receiving too little of what we actually need.

The Earth element invites us to pause and feel into what we already have, and to practice receiving it more fully. When nourishment is truly absorbed—rather than rushed past or pushed away—it has the power to settle us. From this place, the urge to constantly strive for more begins to soften.

The Earth Element and the Ability to Receive

In Chinese medicine, the Earth element encompasses the Spleen and Stomach meridians. These organs are responsible for digestion, assimilation, and transformation. Their energetic center is the belly—the place where we receive, break down, and integrate nourishment.

This digestion is not limited to food and drink. We also “digest” ideas, emotions, experiences, and sensory input. When the Earth element is balanced, we are able to take in what we need, extract what is nourishing, and let the rest go. When it is challenged, we may struggle to feel satisfied, grounded, or supported—even when nourishment is available.

Often, what interferes with receiving is not lack, but shame. We may feel undeserving of care, pleasure, rest, or help. We may rush through nourishment, distract ourselves from it, or minimize it, preventing ourselves from fully experiencing it. When this happens, the body and nervous system never register that they have been fed.

Practices for Receiving Nourishment

Here are some gentle ways to practice letting nourishment in:

• Eat slowly and without distraction.
  Give the act of eating your full attention. Notice the colors, flavours, and textures of your food. Chew slowly and feel what it’s like to be nourished. This not only deepens your experience but also supports digestion, as mindful eating allows the body to prepare the enzymes needed to digest effectively.

• Cook your own food.
  Preparing food for yourself can be a powerful act of care and intention, strengthening your relationship with nourishment.

• Share food with others.

  The act of giving and receiving food is a wonderful way to practice receiving nourishment.

• Become an intentional consumer.
  We take in enormous amounts of content each day, often without realizing it. Notice what you are feeding yourself mentally and emotionally. Choose a book, article, or film that genuinely interests or nourishes you rather than scrolling by default.

• Digest what you consume.
  Spend time reflecting on what you’ve read, watched, or experienced. Writing, thinking, or talking about it helps your system integrate the nourishment rather than moving on immediately to the next thing.

• Offer yourself one nourishing experience each day—and allow yourself to enjoy it.
  Guilt often blocks our ability to receive. If you choose your favorite food, a moment of rest, or something pleasurable, let yourself fully take it in without rushing or minimizing it.

• Practice receiving nourishment from others.
  Ask for help, and allow it to be given. Many of us feel shame around needing support, which can prevent us from experiencing the comfort and pleasure of being helped. Remember how good it feels to offer care to others, and trust that receiving allows others that same experience.

The Earth element reminds us that nourishment is not something we must earn.

Try and practice this season allowing nourishment to really land —without shame, distraction, or urgency—and see how it makes your system feel. As always, if you’re needing any support with this please reach out.

Happy Holidays!