The Fall Mood: And what to do with it

Chinese medicine puts a lot of stock in living in tune with the seasons.

It's rained all week.  The greying light has me casting my attention inward.   I'm reminded that fall is the season to attend to myself in a quiet, inward way--a way that will become the well of vitality I'll draw on in darker months.

As the season associated with the lungs, fall encourages us to examine what we take in, and that we let go.  A fresh breath in; an old one out.

As to taking in: Fall foods have an earthier, heavier quality, providing more calories and are longer-lasting. Last year I had orchard-picked apples that preserved themselves in my fridge for months.  Impressive. 

On the other hand, nature is gently letting go of its material splendor. We breathe to nature's slower tempo.  Atmosphere comes to the fore--the quality of air, sky, clouds, light.

Emotionally, it's bittersweet.  Something is missing, but what's the source of this sadness?  In my case, summer as a child meant playmates and sun and beach and all things outside.  Fall meant school and structure and have-tos and a lot more inside.  It shifts to a more serious cast--no longer child's play, now adult in tone.

Productive counterweights to loss do exist.  We can acknowledge all that we have.  We can be grateful.  Gratitude practices--I grant you--don't always do all they purport, but they are a decent place to start.  And if that lands in flatly to you, try noting and expanding upon what you have in life that you can't touch, see or taste:  Inspiration.  Purpose.  A sense of connection.  Or the song of your soul.

When you discover, or rediscover, such hidden treasures,  gather them into your heart.  Use and enjoy  them.  And squirrel some away to nourish you in less fruitful weeks and seasons.

Feeling off?  Come in for a few sessions, including a powerful lung/immune restoration series that will clean and recharge you on multiple levels.  Book anytime through this link:   http://www.acupuncturedc.com/book-now.

————————————-

This is my 25th anniversary year!  My years of practice have been a joy because of you.  May you have all the health and wellbeing you merit and long for.