Fall to me is connected to watching leaves change colors for it’s a great reminder of the cycle of life. Like these leaves, we were vibrant and full of energy from the warm summer sun; now that the temperatures are cooler and the evenings grow longer, our bodies wish to move at a slower pace. Our systems also nudge us to go within so we can process all that we have accumulated in the summer months, keeping those that are doing us good and releasing those that are no longer serving us. As we turn our energies inward, all that outward energy we spent in the summer months gets redirected back into our own healing process. I find that watching the trees let go of their decayed leaves helps me let go of my ‘decayed’ parts as well.
Perhaps this is why grief is the emotion associated with the Fall equinox. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fall is associated with the metal element which is connected to grief. Letting go is often connected to experiencing loss and separation which often evokes sadness. But do not look upon grief as a negative experience; instead try to see it as a natural part of the cycle of life. Grief is actually what allows us to let go so we can make room for the new and healthy.
The colon is the organ associated with the metal element which eliminates unnecessary toxins from our bodies. As the colon eliminates the physical garbage of our bodies, our minds can eliminate the mental and spiritual wastes we’ve been holding on to so that we can take in the pure. The lung is the other organ associated with the metal element, and it is what balances the colon. As the colon purges, the lung takes in fresh air so we can breathe in the new. To me, the fall weather often brings a certain crispness to the air, and this season, we can be inspired to take in deep, long breaths to help us move forward our cycle of cleansing and rejuvenation.
Acupuncture is good to bring balance to our elements and to ease our anxieties of the changing seasons. It helps with grief and it helps us see the beauty in the changing of the seasons and the letting go/letting in process.
This Fall, I encourage you to take many walks out in nature. Pause, reflect, breathe. Let go and let freshness in!
- Heat the oil in a large pot, and cook the onion, celery, carrot, potatoes, and squash for 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Pour in enough of the stock to cover vegetables. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer 40 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
- Transfer the soup to a blender, and blend until smooth. Return to pot, and mix in any remaining stock to attain desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.