FALL REFLECTIONS
by Doren Day, L. Ac.
Our first snowfall this year brings in Autumn with undeniable clarity. The leaves have turned and are falling, the air is cool and brisk, and there is a sharp quality to the light. At times we greet the Autumn with a sense of welcome inspiration, but we may also feel regret at the loss of the warmth and openness of Summer and the abundance of Late Summer.
In Chinese Medicine, Autumn is seen as a time of letting go Autumn reflects the qualities of the Metal Element, which governs our ability to let go, to breathe in and to find balance. One of the organs associated with the Metal element is the Large Intestine, which gives a clear example of letting go of toxins, and eliminating what is not useful to us anymore. The other organ that represents the Metal Element in our body is the Lungs. Through the Lungs we can breathe in inspiration and the air and energy that keeps us alive! When we are balanced between letting go and breathing in, then we can truly have a healthy Metal Element.
The emotion associated with the Metal Element is grief. There are times when it is appropriate to grieve the passing of things that we are letting go – be it the season, a friend’s life, or a process we have completed. Grieving also contains the sense of acknowledging and honoring what has come before. However, we don’t want to get stuck in Grief – unable to let go. Then we begin to fill up with things from the past, unable to move on, or carrying a lot of baggage with us. If we are stuck in the energy of Grief, we can become brittle and cold – unable to take in new inspiration.
A tree needs to drop its leaves in order to be ready for the cold of winter and for the new growth of the next year. Imagine a tree trying to grow new leaves while still holding on to last year’s dead ones! In that same way, we need to be able to let go of what is not needed in our lives. We can go through a process of growth - learn something - and take the lesson with us, letting go of the rest. Once a tree has dropped its leaves, it reveals its essential structure and its strongest, most permanent parts. We also find that once we’ve let go and perhaps grieved the passing of some phase, we are strengthened and inspired by the essential truth that remains.
We all contain all of the elements, all of the time. During this season the element of Metal is especially prominent as its qualities are displayed in Nature. The best support for your Metal Element (and all the others!) is regular Five Element Acupuncture treatment. Here are some other things you can do to live in balance during this season:
- Get rid of clutter – clean out a closet, donate some clothes you don’t need.
- Clean up your insides – choose one food or habit to let go of, appreciate the improved energy and health that results.
- Take time to reflect – spend some quiet time each day meditating or reading something inspiring.
- Get outside – take a walk in nature and breath in the cool, clean air of Autumn.
- Appreciate Beauty – focus on something beautiful everyday, allow yourself to value the quality of your experiences.
