The shift from Summer to Fall is one of the most challenging seasonal transitions for humans to make. According to Chinese Five Element Theory, Fall is associated with the Metal element. The Lungs and Large Intestine, the immune system, and the emotion of grief all belong to Metal.
Here’s the Cliff Notes: it’s all about letting go.
We still have a few weeks to go until Fall is officially here, but now is the time to bring your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs to mind so that you can navigate the change of seasons with grace and abundant health.
For our physical bodies, the challenge has to do with maintaining a healthy and strong immune system with abundant Wei Qi (protective energy.) When we push too hard to keep up with an exuberant pace that’s more appropriate for expansive seasons like Spring and Summer, it can deplete this protective energy and leave us vulnerable to all of those germs that the kids are passing back-and-forth at school.
Emotionally and spiritually, Fall asks us to let go of the things that aren’t truly essential. Of course we can reap the harvest, get cozy with books, family, and studies, and begin to cultivate the deeper energies that will allow us to dream new dreams for ourselves around the dawning of the New Year…but this is not the time for accumulating more stuff, piling on more obligations, and stretching ourselves thinner. It can be hard to fight the cultural pressure to dive into tons of new activities this time of year, but it’s worth thinking about choosing quality over quantity.
Trees drop their leaves to protect the deep energy that preserves their lives. It is a letting go that is essential to their survival. Fall is the time when they send their energy down, down, down into their roots, and when the beautiful colors of their dying leaves remind us of how short and breathtaking Life really is. Trees stand bare and brave all Winter long, but they do not die from their losses. The losses are essential to their future rebirth.
The trees might ask you:
What is so vital and important to your life that you must protect it?
What has served you well for past seasons but needs to be released, just for now?
Why are you so afraid of dying when you’ve watched us, year after year, die and be reborn?
Remember: your energy is finite. If you push too hard, your body will hit a wall, especially during seasonal shifts. Your life energy, your love, your brain power—all of these are such precious resources. They deserve to be spent as wisely as you spend your dollars.
My wish for you is that no matter what you might be facing as the seasons begin to shift, that you will allow yourself to let go, let go, and let go again.
