On May 21st, the solar term Lesser Fullness of Grain (Xiaoman) arrives as expected. In northern China, wheat ears are turning yellow but are not yet ripe; in the Jiangnan region, the plum rains nourish the land without flooding it. This delicate balance of "almost full but not quite" reflects the life wisdom the Chinese people have revered for thousands of years.

Inspiration from Nature

The "three phases" characteristics of Xiaoman are particularly typical:

• Wild bitter greens thrive: These wild bitter herbs grow vigorously, and their heat-clearing properties remind us to care for our health as season changes.

• Shade-loving weeds wither: As sunlight intensifies, weeds that prefer shade begin to fade, symbolizing the natural cycle of renewal.

• Wheat ripens: Winter wheat enters its critical grain-filling stage, and farmers keep a close eye on the weather, anticipating a bountiful harvest half a month later.
  

These natural signs reveal a deeper truth: everything has its proper timing — neither to be rushed nor delayed.

A Slow Wisdom in a Fast Changing World

The philosophy of Xiaoman offers a rare and precious form of wisdom: true growth requires time and quiet accumulation.

In the workplace, rather than fearing the so-called "35-year-old crisis", we might take our cues from the wheat—rooted deeply, maturing quietly, preparing for a personal season of harvest. In daily life, we need not to follow the "perfect life" on social media. True happiness lies in appreciating the warmth already within reach. And just as ripening grain requires depth before yield, so too must we cultivate our craft—to accumulate richly before releasing our potential. The mindset of Xiaoman—knowing when to pause, when to wait, when to gather strength—once acquired, may well be a form of competitiveness.

Life Guide to Solar Terms

• Taste the bitter, savor the fresh: Try cold bitter chrysanthemum salad with dandelion tea for seasonal wellness.

• Midday rest: Follow the traditional "midday-nap" rhythm of summer —a 15-minute rest helps recharge your body and mind.

• Declutter your space: Leverage this seasonal transition to practice mindful minimalism, maintaining the comfort of a "70% full" life.

Xiaoman — almost full, not yet complete — is filled with the promise of what's to come. Its beauty lies in that sense of anticipation. Our lives, too, are following the path of "not yet ripe", but full of hope. There's no need to rush for success or demand perfection. The state of Xiaoman may just be the best answer to life — a precious gift from China's solar term wisdom to the modern world.