The bestseller The Energy of the 5 Seasons - sold over 13,000 copies!
The book is a practical and inspiring guide that shows how we can live in harmony with the changing energies of the seasons – an approach that aims for both physical and emotional well-being.
In the book, you will learn about Chinese medicine; the meridian pathways, the organ clock, the sheng-ko cycle, the 5 elements, the energies of the seasons, and the emotions associated with them. This is combined with Vedic philosophy and relevant themes for each season. You will be equipped to work with the energy and emotional themes of each season with exercises, dietary advice, and yoga poses.
Use the book as a reference throughout the year. In the book, Isabelle Evita Søndergaard shares her knowledge, experience, and reflections on the energy of the seasons from her many years as an experienced yoga teacher, mindfulness instructor, and coach.
What does the book "The Energy of the 5 Seasons" contain?
The book The Energy of the 5 Seasons is based on traditional Chinese medicine and Vedic philosophy. The book reviews the changing energies of the 5 seasons: spring, summer, late summer, autumn, and winter.
Each season has its unique energy, which affects us physically, mentally, and emotionally. It is about how the climate outside the body affects the climate within the body, so when weather and climate change, we feel it physically, mentally, and emotionally.
By understanding and working with these energies, we can strive to create balance and strengthen our health and well-being.
In our latitudes, where we have cold in winter and heat in summer, it is relevant to work with the bladder and kidneys in winter, which are affected by cold, and with the heart and small intestine in summer, which are affected by heat.
In traditional Chinese medicine, there are 5 elements: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. Organs form pairs, and each pair constitutes an element in the body. Bladder-kidneys constitute the water element, gallbladder-liver our wood element, heart-small intestine our fire element, stomach-spleen constitute the earth element, and lung-large intestine the metal element.
Let's take winter as an example, which in our latitudes is associated with the element water and the organs bladder and kidneys. The water element (bladder-kidneys) is affected by cold, so the winter cold is crucial for the balance in the bladder and kidneys.
Winter is the ideal time for stillness, rest, and reflection, as well as for working on some of the heavier emotions such as insecurity, anxiety, and fear, which we often try to avoid.
In the winter chapter of the book, you will therefore find tools, exercises, and topics for reflection to work with this energy in winter, so that the energy can be used constructively and for personal development.
You can also read more about winter's energy in my blog post here.
What is the 5th season?
When do the seasons change, and where does the 5th season fit in? This is a question that often causes wonder – because aren't there only 4 seasons?
I understand that the idea of 5 seasons can seem confusing or perhaps even provocative. We have grown up with the idea of 4 fixed seasons, and in our society, the months are divided accordingly. But reality is more fluid and changeable than we might immediately think.
In our part of the world, we are used to the idea of 4 seasons, but nonetheless, we even have the word "sensommer" (late summer) in our vocabulary. In The Energy of the 5 Seasons, late summer is introduced as the 5th season. Late summer differs from summer and is in traditional Chinese medicine just as common and important a season as the others.
However, the changing of the seasons is not entirely black and white. Nature does not necessarily follow the calendar months, and no two years are alike. Transitional periods and changing climates mean that we must listen to our intuition and sense when the energy changes around us – and within ourselves.
You can read much more about the unique energy of late summer and the changing of the seasons in the book, which you can purchase here.
Tools for each season - yin yoga, breathing, emotions and much more
The book is filled with concrete advice and exercises that help you adapt to the changing energies. Each season has its special themes with associated exercises and tools to work with the energy of the season.
Here are some of the practical tools you will find in The Energy of the 5 Seasons:
- Yoga and movement: Yin yoga postures that support the energy of the season. Since the body remembers everything, emotions and experiences will reside in different parts of the body. What is so exciting is to work with precisely those body parts that are connected to the different organ pairs through the meridian pathways in the body. Through long gentle yin yoga stretches, you therefore work not only physically but also emotionally and mentally with what resides in the body. Everything is interconnected. You can find more inspiration for yin yoga here.
- Breathing: In the book, you will find knowledge, facts, and good breathing exercises, especially in the chapter on autumn, as autumn is linked to the lungs and large intestine, which constitute our metal element. You can also read more about the cleansing breathing exercise Kapal Bhati in my blog post here.
- Dietary advice: What we consume affects our inner state. Our diet not only nourishes us but also affects our internal processes. In Chinese medicine, it is believed that specific foods influence different organs and elements in the body. Therefore, different foods are recommended for each season. Follow the good dietary advice for each season to support the body's natural processes and create balance in each season.
- Mindfulness and reflection: In each season chapter, you will find themes for reflection and introspection. Themes that not only address emotions but also themes that you can use to work on your personal development. Create peace, presence, and depth through meditation and reflection.
- Emotions: Although you will find advice and guidance on diet, exercises, and yoga in the book, the focus of the book is largely on emotions and the emotional themes associated with each season. Emotions are linked to the organs, and we are therefore also emotionally affected by the energy of the season. It is about taking ownership of emotions and understanding the inner communication that takes place throughout the year. Listening, acknowledging, and accepting that emotions are some of the most essential things for us as humans, and some of the most important things we can work with. The intention of the book is therefore to help increase awareness of the many emotions we have within us, and to provide support for working with the emotions that we might prefer to avoid. It is about using energies and emotions constructively. All emotions have a function and a purpose.
A deeper insight into the energy of the seasons
The 5 elements each carry their own energy. This energy can fluctuate in several directions and is therefore somewhat more complicated than it seems. Gallbladder and liver carry the energy that can generally be called tolerance, but what is so exciting is that the energy can swing in two directions, and both poles are linked to the gallbladder and liver. At one extreme, we might have intolerance; anger, irritation, and bitterness, and at the opposite extreme, we might be too tolerant, failing to set boundaries or being easily pushed around. Both sides are two aspects of the same energy, and the goal is to seek balance in these energies and to use them for growth and learning.
Each season brings its own unique energy and emotional themes:
- Spring: The energy of wood allows for new beginnings and growth. Use the energy from the gallbladder and liver constructively to make changes with a spring program.
- Summer: The energy of fire brings joy, attraction, and creation. Work with the power of fire and self-care in my summer program.
- Late Summer: The energy of the earth creates stability, balance, and mental clarity. In imbalance, however, the opposite, namely stress and racing thoughts. In my late summer program, the focus is therefore on mindfulness and grounding.
- Autumn: The energy of metal helps to let go and make space for new things. In the autumn program, we cleanse the lungs and large intestine and work on letting go of what no longer serves us.
- Winter: The energy of water encourages rest, contemplation, and calm. Try an in-depth winter program where we turn inwards and focus on personal development and self-care.
About the author – Isabelle Evita Søndergaard
Isabelle Evita Søndergaard has spent a large part of her life exploring the connection between body, mind, emotions, and energy. She is a student of MSc. in Consciousness, Spirituality and Transpersonal Psychology and also holds a master's degree in intercultural communication from Copenhagen Business School. Isabelle has a background as a coach, mindfulness instructor, and yoga teacher from an ashram in India.
Isabelle has taught and helped both her own participants and companies navigate personal development and stress management. Her experiences with culture, communication, mind, emotions, and yoga form the basis of her work and books.
Over the past 10 years, Isabelle has taught yoga with over 4500 hours of teaching experience from both her own classes and corporate training.
Isabelle Evita has repeatedly taken significant "leaps of faith" and changed her entire life. These changes constitute a large part of her life philosophy and are at the core of what she teaches: to listen to intuition and follow one's heart. She made her first major change in 2012, which led her to embark on the Camino Primitivo pilgrimage in Northern Spain that same year, where she gained a deeper understanding of people's energy and how it is affected by the many layers, burdens, and expectations of a busy everyday life.
That same year, Isabelle went to an ashram in India, where she became a certified yoga teacher and stayed for a few months to study Vedic philosophy.
You can read more about Isabelle Evita here.
The book The Energy of the 5 Seasons is for you who:
- Seeks to live in balance with the energy of the seasons and nature's cycles
- Is curious about and wishes to understand traditional Chinese medicine and Vedic philosophy
- Focuses on health through a holistic approach to diet, yoga, and mindfulness.
- Seeks practical tools for personal development and emotional balance.
- Wishes to find ways to integrate traditional Chinese medicine and Vedic philosophy into everyday life
- Is looking for an inspiring and practical guide that can help you find inner peace and well-being
- Wants to discover how the energy of the seasons and emotional themes can be a source of strength and personal development
The Energy of the 5 Seasons is more than a book - it is a reference work that seeks to guide you towards a life in balance and harmony throughout the year.
Understand The Energy of the 5 Seasons with this printed book, which guides you through theory, philosophy, facts, and practical exercises.
Bestseller with +13,000 copies sold – Reviews and experiences of The Energy of the 5 Seasons
The Energy of the 5 Seasons is a book for personal development and reflection throughout the year. It invites readers to work on themselves, their emotions, and the potential challenges that can arise from the energies of the different seasons.
Through reflection and inner work, the book shows how we can learn from the shifts that push us and inspire growth.
The book is available in most libraries throughout Denmark with long waiting lists. You will find the book under "mental health" in libraries, which emphasizes its focus on emotional balance and mental well-being.
The Energy of the 5 Seasons is widely used by practitioners, educators, and private individuals, underscoring its versatility and value in various contexts.
The purpose of the book is to spread the wisdom and knowledge of ancient traditions in a way that everyone can understand, which is why the book is written in easy-to-understand and simple language.
"I absolutely love the book!" As a body therapist and yoga instructor, it has connected many dots for me that I used to have to find in several different books. It's just right for me."
– Amaliee
"I love your book, Isabelle." I've recommended it to several of my friends, who have also bought it now. It's a staple in my bag and serves as a reference book. "It's simply fantastic."
– Amalie
"Thank you so much for the physical book. Its design is so beautiful, and I'm so glad I chose it. "It's a joy to pick up and use."
– Ulla
"I'm very happy with the book." It provides food for thought and reflection on thought patterns. The book has made a noticeable difference to my body and mind."
– Helle
"Thank you so much for a wonderfully inspiring book with everything I wanted to know and learn more about. I look forward to reading and applying it all."
– Janne
The Energy of the 5 Seasons - book reviews
The book "The Energy of the 5 Seasons" has delighted readers with its unique approach to personal development and reflection through the changing energies of the year.
Book reviews
"An inspiring book that introduces you to aspects of Chinese medicine and Vedic philosophy in a simple and clear way. I particularly like the idea of connecting yoga exercises with the different meridians. It provides a good understanding of how the individual meridian pathways run in the body and inspiration on how you can easily work with them and stimulate contact with them.
The book can be used as a reference book. You can choose to start with a theme that captivates you and work from there. Perhaps you are used to practicing yoga but want more perspectives on your yoga practice. Perhaps you are interested in how you can create a more energetic connection to the body's organs or understand how emotions affect the body and psyche.
The book is based on the five seasons, with late summer as the wonderful 'extra'. And it offers ideas on how you can be inspired by the course of the year and draw on the moods and opportunities for strength and depth that we can find in the different seasons and in the elements of nature.
I have used the book in my teaching and recommend it to my students because it is clear and because you can 'get a little bit of everything' and then delve deeper elsewhere if you want to know more."
Kirsten Sander Østergaard, Folk High School Teacher
Head of the School for Body and Consciousness
"Isabelle Evita Søndergaard has written the book The Energy of the 5 Seasons - Inspiration for Body, Mind and Soul.
When we move beyond the idea that yoga is just bending and stretching, and we want more insight into Vedic philosophy, Chinese medicine – the organ clock and meridian pathways, the energies of the 5 seasons, then grab Isabelle's book.
It's easy to understand, simple to navigate, and packed with truly delicious content.
I read it cover to cover and enjoyed every page. I have become wiser about my current balances and imbalances, and with ease and interest, I am adopting Isabelle's instructions.
I love this way of looking at life.
If you've become curious, get the book and get started.
You can easily use the book as a reference work, as it is divided into themes such as autumn, winter, spring, summer, and late summer, and balances, imbalances, yin and yang, Chinese medicine, and all the other goodies are accessible and understandable – even if you are new to this fantastic universe."
– Camilla / Camillasbogunivers
Psyche&Soul
"Everything is cyclical and changeable – this applies to both us humans and nature – and we are greatly influenced by the changing seasons.
In The Energy of the 5 Seasons, you are guided through the unique energy that spring, summer, late summer, autumn, and winter each hold, and which you can use to your advantage.
In the book, for each season, you will find useful lifestyle and dietary advice, recommendations from traditional Chinese medicine and Vedic philosophy, seasonal themes, simple exercises, and suggestions for yoga poses. All of this is inspiration you can use to work towards maintaining or restoring energy balance in accordance with the individual seasons.
The book is written by author and yoga teacher Isabelle Evita Søndergaard and is easy to understand with a good mix of theory and practice and inspiring color illustrations. It can be read cover to cover, but is also ideal as a reference work for the different seasons, or if you particularly need an extra boost of energy at certain times of the year."
– Gyldendal's Book Club Psyche&Soul
The reviews emphasize that the book appeals to both beginners and experienced readers. If you want to delve deeper into the theory yourself, you can buy The Energy of the 5 Seasons here.
Ancient traditions are the key to the future
In a world where we constantly seek energy, our inner energy becomes a crucial resource. Ancient traditions, which have existed for thousands of years, prove to be the key to understanding and preserving this energy – both physically and emotionally.
"With awareness comes opportunities, but also responsibility." When we become aware of our emotional energies and their influence, we open up new possibilities for growth and balance, but it requires us to take responsibility for how we manage and protect this valuable resource.
Read more about how ancient traditions can help you find balance in the book The Energy of the 5 Seasons.
If you also have the book on your shelf at home, please feel free to share your experiences with The Energy of the 5 Seasons in the comments below. You can also read much more about these topics here on the blog.
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13 comments
Så bredt favnende viden og øvelser og sundhed og velvære også i praksis. Tak for at dele med os allesammen.👌👍🙂
fantastisk bog. Jeg har beskæftiget mig med personlig udvikling i mange år og der var mange ting i bogen jeg vidste i forvejen…men ikke hvad jeg skulle bruge min viden til. Det ved jeg nu. Det er vinter og vi går i hi, holder os varme og bygger rede. Jeg startede med de første kapitler og gik så direkte til VINTER. jJeg har skrevet noter, lavet suppe, haft benene op af væggen…som så mange gange før, men nu ved jeg hvorfor. Hvordan organerne og meridianer spiller sammen og reagerer. Tusind tak for bogen, jeg føler mig hel og forstået og mine utallige bekymringer og handlinger førhen har nu en mening. tak hilsen Dorte 55 år, Falster
TAK for din bog. Jeg købte den, da den udkom. Det er blevet en af mine “ bibler”
Jeg er kropsterapeut , har været det i 52 år – og livet er forenklet af dine temaer jeg lever efter hver dag. Det er aldrig for sent
De 5 årstiders energi er en bog fyldt med utrolig megen viden. Den kommer vidt omkring mange emner. Jeg vender hele tiden tilbage til den, da den jo skal bruges året rundt i forhold til årstiderne. Stor anbefaling
Jeg er virkelig glad for bogen de 5 årstiders energi.
Jeg er ret ny indenfor yoga og går på hold.og ofte bruges der udtryk som jeg ikke forstår.men din bog Isabella giver en rigtig god forklaring. Jeg er fan .og mega god som opslags bog .🙏for den .
Jeg anbefaler den gerne videre👍❤️
Kh Helle