The season of slowing down after the heat and busy-ness of summer.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine our body’s life force, prana, is guided by five elements. These are fire, water, metal, air and wood. And each season is governed by an element and each element governs a particular organ pair. I do talk about this in our yoga classes too. As I teach to what is relevant and present. Meaning who is in the yoga class, the seasons and the present injuries etc. Back to Autumn though.
Autumn is governed by the element of METAL and the organ pair of the lungs and the large intestines. Anything we do to foster the nourishment and vitality of these organs is extra beneficial during this time.
These are the organs of elimination, excretion and transition.
In yoga, both yang and yin styles, we will practice specific postures to assist these functions and nurture those two organs.
It is also wise to increase the amount of sleep. It is recommended to be asleep two hours after sunset. The energy of turning inwards and slowing down is supported by the activity of meditation, sound healing and reflection.
To further support our energy body and our spiritual existence it is helpful to ask ourselves the following reflection questions:
- What am I consuming right now? (information, food, conversations).
- Is above useful and nourishing me right now?. Is it in line with my values, with where I want to be, and who I see myself becoming?
- What habits, beliefs, connections, activities, relationships or practices are not supporting myself, my health and my wellbeing?
- What can I let go of? What can I, like the autumn organs, turn into waste?
- Where can I make time for rest, meditation, journalling, daydreaming, doing nothing, connecting to nature…?
Let your life be your nourishment.
Here to support you to living your most optimal healthy life, physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, relationally, vocationally, energetically and financially.
Happy Season of Autumn.