The Metal Element – Autumn
In autumn comes the end of the growing season. The abundant energy and growth of summer is gone and the energy of the earth turns inward. The leaves fall and enrich the soil, getting it ready for next year’s harvest.
Like nature, we have cycles of creating and releasing or letting go. Holding on to what no longer serves us prevents us from moving forward gracefully.
The energy of this season promotes introspection. What is most precious in our lives? What is stale and outdated? Who are we in our essence?
This is the season of the metal or air element. The emotion of this season is grief. When we experience loss we grieve. The expression of grief helps to cleanse us of our sorrow.
When the metal energy is imbalanced our expression of grief is also imbalanced. It may be extreme and ongoing or non-existent. Either extreme will make it difficult to function, especially when trying to take deep breaths.
The two organs of the metal element are lung and large intestine. The lungs take in the crisp autumn air, the new and pure. The large intestine eliminates waste.
When these two organs are out of balance we have symptoms of:
constipation, nasal congestion, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea, and stomach pain to name a few.
Our mind and spirit also suffer if we are unable to eliminate waste and take in the new and pure; symptoms such as stubbornness, depression, isolation, and negativity appear. We see the glass as half empty. When metal is unbalanced we’re unable to sense our value; we seek fulfillment outside ourselves.
It is important to maintain balance in every season to live our best life. In autumn:
- Have your energy balanced with acupressure or acupuncture.
- Live in balance with the season- dress for the weather. Don’t overexert your energy.
- Clean out cluttered areas of your home- desks, closets, garage, etc.
- Focus on releasing old hurts and resentments. Try to resolve issues around these emotions and let them go. If unable to resolve these issues with the other person (persons) write them down in detail and burn the paper, “symbolically releasing the content.”
- Walk in nature and breathe deeply.
