FALL: THE GIFTS OF LETTING GO

In Chinese Medicine, each season has a unique element, organ system, body tissue, emotion, flavor, color, and more, that influence us in unique ways.

The correspondences of Fall are:

Element = Metal

Organs = Lung, Large Intestines

Body Tissue = Skin

Emotion = Sadness, Grief

Flavor = Spicy

Color = White

By intentionally aligning with the aspects of each season, we can cultivate more flow with life, and experience greater vitality and balance.

We can also better understand ourselves and our habits, physical symptoms, and emotions, even embracing the more difficult ones.

Here are 6 ways to consciously work with Fall’s energy for greater ease & harmony:

DECLUTTER TO MAKE SPACE FOR WHAT'S PRECIOUS

Metal represents both our ability to let go and to know what's truly precious.
As you go around your house, let go of items that are no serve you to make space for what is truly of value.
Make piles to give away, imagining how these things will get new life and bring joy to others.
Clear out expired items from the kitchen and bathroom to fill them with your favorite things .
Organize junk drawers to make use of what’s inside.
Create simple, intentional spaces, highlighting objects and activities that bring you joy & inspiration.

REPRIORITIZE YOUR ACTIVITIES

Reduce daily actions that drain & distract you and re-prioritize on what will truly fuel you.
This could be just swapping 10 minutes of TV/social media/shopping for 10 minutes of meditation, stretching, dancing, reading something inspiring, connecting with a loved one, doing a hobby, etc.
As you start living in alignment with values, you’ll gain momentum to flow through your day differently.

DO A DIGITAL DETOX

Unsubscribe to mail lists and social media accounts that don’t interest or inspire you.
Create space for new interests and more authentic connections, in-person and online.

ADD SPICE

In balanced amounts, the spicy flavor benefits the Lungs and Large Intestines, as it can open pores, release congestion, promote circulation, stimulate elimination, and fight pathogens that enter the body.
Spicy foods are categorized as HOT, WARM or COOL in nature.
HOT SPICES (mostly peppers) can be aggravating and drying to the system, so use sparingly.
WARM SPICES include cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, cloves, garlic, cumin, fennel seed, mustard seed and rosemary.
COOL SPICY foods include peppermint tea, radishes, turnips, cabbage, daikon root and spicy greens.

TRY DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING

Most of us breathe shallow in our chest due to stress and tight upper back/neck muscles.
Diaphragmatic Breathing both expands the lungs and creates a gentle massage on the Intestines, supporting your body to release waste and make room for better absorption of oxygen and vital nutrients.
Find your diaphragm by placing one hand on your upper abdomen with the thumb below the breastbone and the pinky above your belly button.
Breathe into this area for a few minutes, feeling it rise & fall below your hand, and letting your shoulders release with each exhale.
Try to do this whenever you notice yourself breathing shallowly

EMBRACE THE GIFTS OF GRIEF

It's taught that hidden within each emotion are valuable gifts.
Grief, like Fall, is a wonderful teacher not only about letting go, but also about recognizing what is precious.
In nature, the leaves fall from the trees, returning their richness back to the soil to fertilize new life in Spring.
Metal is used both for cutting (knives, scissors, swords) and in objects of great value (jewelry, money, awards, plaques etc).
Similarly, the Lungs and Large Intestines are in charge of both releasing waste, and receiving vital oxygen and nutrients. (The Large Intestine not only eliminates but also absorbs back water, electrolytes & vitamins.)

Reflect on these questions:

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