As we brace for autumn’s chill and bask in autumn’s beauty, we may also feel the grief that often arises in this season. Watch the leaves as they fall around us. Nature shows us the way -- to let go and make space for new inspiration.
In Chinese medicine, autumn’s element is metal and its organs are the lungs and large intestines. Autumn is a time to give a special focus to our immune systems.
Acupuncturist, Dr. Christina Velderman, has tips for staying healthy and resilient at this time. Here are a few, in addition to letting go and finding inspiration:
Practice deep breathing. This strengthens our lungs and immune systems.
Do grief work. Acknowledging our sadness can help it move through in a healthy way.
Protect the neck. The back of the neck is the “wind gate.” It lets in colds, flus, headaches, and sore throats. Keep your neck covered with scarves and hoodies.
Eat warming foods like soups, stews, stir fries, and spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
Get organized. The metal element likes structure. Autumn is the perfect time for letting go of what we don’t need in our closets and drawers as well as in our bodies, minds, and emotions.
In yoga this week we will enjoy some twists to help us clean out stress and let go of what we don’t need anymore. Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go:
“To live in this world you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal, to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go”― Mary Oliver
“You will find that it is necessary to let things go; simply for the reason that they are heavy. So let them go, let go of them. I tie no weights to my ankles.”-- C. JoyBell C.
“Girls you've gotta know when it's time to turn the page.” ― Tori Amos
“Letting go may sound so simple, but rarely is it a one-time thing. Just keep letting go, until one day it’s gone for good.” – Eleanor Brown
“You can only lose what you cling to.” – Buddha
Autumn’s organ is the Lung, so autumn is also about inspiration:
“Out of difficulties grow miracles.” – Jean de la Bruyere
“Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” – Maya Angelou
“Each day comes bearing its gifts. Untie the ribbon.” – Ann Ruth Schabacker
Kathy