An Introduction to The 4s

The 4s, or “4 Seasons”, is a system of living that focuses on finding balance across four essential seasons of life. Its roots lie in ancient traditional Chinese medicine, but in its modern form, it has become popular among those who recognize its potential to help us lead healthier, happier and more connected lives.

The 4s are Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Each season has its own characteristics, based on traditional Chinese beliefs. For example, spring is a time of renewal and growth, while summer is a time of warmth and light. Fall is associated with abundance and transformation, and winter with stillness and reflection. At each transition point, the 4s encourages us to reflect and adjust our daily habits to align with the spirit of the season.

How The 4s Can Transform Your Life

The 4s offers an innovative framework for looking at life. Rather than seeing life as a linear journey from one goal to the next, the 4s teaches us to take a dynamic, cyclical view of life that emphasizes balance and harmony.

When we integrate the 4s into our life, we can observe changes in our physical, mental and emotional states. On a physical level, we can become more mindful of how our habits affect our energy levels and make adjustments accordingly. On an emotional level, we can develop greater self-awareness and the ability to recognize and respond to the subtle signals of our body, mind and spirit. We can learn to use the cycles of the seasons as a guide to creating balance and peace within ourselves.

Living The 4s

Living the 4s is different for everyone and requires mindful practice over time. Many begin by getting to know the energy of each season and learning how to adopt certain habits, diet and lifestyle tweaks to align with the season.

For example, during spring, it may be beneficial to focus on lightening our diet and physical activity. This supports the natural renewal process by allowing our body to recuperate from the long winter. During summer, it can be helpful to focus on eating more cooling foods, including cooling fruits, vegetables and proteins. In the fall, we may want to consume more warmth-promoting, nourishing foods and begin an exercise practice. During winter, we should focus on restorative practices, such as meditation and yoga, to restore balance in our life.

No matter which season we’re in, we should also take time to reflect and make adjustments to our mindset and lifestyle as needed. Re-balancing ourselves abruptly can lead to shocking jolts, so it’s better to take a gentle, gradual approach.

The 4s can be a powerful tool for greater balance, harmony and well-being. Once we fully internalize the spirit of the 4s and how it can play out in our daily life, it can support our journey toward of finding balance and peace, season by season.