"Autumn"& The Element "METAL"

23 hours ago

5 min read

... an INVITATION to 'LET GO '

Autumn, the time of the year, when the trees change their colors , followed by the need to let go of their leaves, to retreat, to go dormant, to then return to a fresh cycle....

In Chinese Medicine, Autumn stands in the Element ‘Metal’ , which is related to our lungs and our large intestines. Both have a lot to do with ‘Letting go’ of that what is not useful anymore.

As it is with our breath…. If we don’t exhale , we can’t inhale. The old must go out to make room for the new to come in.

Try for yourself - while you read this - take a deep breath in - exhale as much as possible - squeeze out a little more - hold the breath there for a moment - and see what happens.... your lungs demand the inhale ....

QiGong offers many gentle movements that reflect the dynamics of nature. It is an ancient energy cultivating practice that connects us to our source and supports our

physical need to move. It releases tension and promotes an over all well-being, nurturing a mindfulness approach that can bring an ease to our daily life, wherever we are, wherever we go. It comes with you…..

In my classes I combine the power of QiGong with the playful practice of Creating your own Mandala. The combination becomes a powerful self integrative ritual - to let your energy/Qi flow - to get you out of your mind - to be open to be inspired to move beyond your limitations.

Classes in Autumn will focus on the Element 'Metal'

Upcoming Classes

But before you go - learn about:

The Element 'Metal'

what does it suggest for your body, mind & soul

and what to look out for.....

Practice 'LETTING GO'

The change for Summer into Fall might bring some sadness and the feeling of carrying some form of mental or physical clutter. Maybe an urge of moving on ..... the knowing that something has been full-filled ... and its time to 'let go'...

Find time to check in and see what feels heavy and outdated. Make a cup of tea and day dream, vision your upcoming story, reflect and see where the solution lays. Find Your Mojo, take a break from pleasing others, shut out the noise, befriend yourself, listen to your vision..... What are the leaves you are dropping....?

Practice 'DEEP BREATHING'

As the 'Metal Element' is related to our lungs, practice deep breathing.

Take a deep belly full of breath, and slowly exhale - push some extra air out through your mouth... Drop Your Shoulders ! .... Observe how every deep breath can releases stress and tension , how it clears our mind and know that it also detoxes our body.

QiGong is all about breath and motion - which balances our e-motion.... In my classes you will practice many different modalities.

Do some 'Grief Work'

'Grief' is associated to the 'Metal Element' and the Lungs. A deep sigh can release sadness and grief and our chest has several Acupressure points that can help us with relief.

As nature retreats, the days are shorter with a tint of grey and the night breaks in sooner. We are going inward and a cup of something warm feels good in our hands. It is natural when at this time a profound sense of sadness can show up...

Allow yourself to acknowledge the feeling, it is a normal part of our emotions and should be tended to in a loving way. This will help us to understand, let go and move on to make space for the new momentum' s that lay ahead. Maybe we also find moments of gratitude withing our reflections....

'Protect Your Neck'

'Wind' can bring disruption - 'Wind' enters the body through the back of our neck - "the wind gate", Boosted by the change in temperature, conditions enter through our lungs and develop quickly.

Remember your mother not letting you leave the house without a scarf ? My mom drove me crazy with it.... But right they were! Welcome to the 'Flu Season' as we call it in modern times.

So keep your lungs happy, they are the first line of defense.... Drink some throat calming herbal teas with 'Marshmallow Root' , 'Slippery Elm Bark', Chamomile', 'Licorice', 'Ginger', 'Sage' , 'Thyme'...

'Sip on Spices'

Fall needs something with a punch. Think spices that are pungent and warming. Many of whom will help our lungs and our immune-system to be stronger warriors.

Think ginger, cinnamon, clove, black pepper, anise & cardamon, all wonderful additions to a cup of tea.

Try to grind them fresh - add them to a small pot - let them warm up in the pot first - don't let them burn ! - add a cup of water - let it steam - add some strong black tea leaves / for best result get some special tea for chai at an Indian grocery store - its a granulated form of tea which is perfect - let the water with the ingredients boil and sit for a moment - add another cup of water - let it boil - add 2 cups of milk .. let the the milk tea rise in the pot - take the pot off the heat - let it rise again - doe this a couple of times - the taste will increase this way..... - sweeten it - enjoy ! Make it a ceremony !

A wonderful treat for body, mind and soul....and its always nice to enjoy it with friends....

Here is a link to the website 'Herbal Reality' with a whole bunch of pungent spices and beautiful pictures.

'Eat Well - Make it Warm"

Cold and raw food in autumn and winter lead to damp conditions : Congestion, Heaviness, Digestive Sensitivities and Sluggishness, Lethargy ....

Our body needs warm and nourishing foods . Its time for stews, roasted vegetables, lentils, beans, & soups.

But don't forget it wants some punch as well. So add some scallions, Leeks, horseradish, mustard, radishes, garlic, onions, and don't forget to spice up !

'Find Time to Organize'

The 'Metal Element' is most happy when life is structured and organized. And let's be honest, it is just really wonderful after we clean up, clear space and organize freshly .... and 'let go' of what has outlived its time.....

Order creates space for us to receive - a safe place to breath and just enjoy the moment with a cup of spiced tea and a feeling of accomplishment....

'Connect with your Inspiration & Creativity'

The 'Metal Element' has a lot to do with inspiration. After 'letting go' - 'breathing out' - it is time to 'inhale' and 'invite inspiration'.

WE let go of the old to make space for the new. It's never about depriving ourself , but to make space, to experience new adventures and happy places.

Same as nature, it let's go, it retreats, it rests, it rejuvenate and prepares for the next spring and summer to come - to blossom again.....

There is a saying:

"WE don't stop playing because we get old - WE get old, because we stop playing...."

So invite yourself - give yourself a permission-slip - give yourself a gap in between the have to and must - and go play ....