Seasons Through Birds' Eyes | Xiaoman

Early summer.　

The　solar term Lesser Fullness of Grain,　or Xiaoman, is endowed with a unique cultural code by the Chinese:　reaching a state of fullness, yet not to its utmost extent. Isn't this reflective of life　itself? Each transition　in solar terms carries its own underlying meaning.　

During　this time, crops in northern China start to swell, although　they are not yet fully　ripe. Meanwhile,　in the south, if rainfall during this period　is sufficient　but not excessive, it forecasts favorable water availability in the months to come,　as long as the rainfall remains moderate.　

Just as balance is inherent in the rhythm of breath, so too does renewal persist within the　cyclic patterns　of nature.　

The essence of Xiaoman　lies in maintaining the　conservation of energy amidst　steady growth.　

By nurturing both enrichment and　high spirits,　everything gains solidity　and reliability.　In the preservation of rhythm and　tranquility　and　pursuit of freedom and abundance,　one attains self-reflection　and a　deep inhalation　of the expansive　world　around us.　

All of this is visible.　

Each phase of life is a section　of nature.　

Xiaoman, at its core,　embodies an attitude: the exact degree of being full but not overflowing.　

(Jointly produced by China News Service and Dalian News Media Group)