In Chinese 5 Element theory there are 12 major pathways, or meridians, in the body. Each of these meridians carries lifeforce energy or 'Qi', and is associated with one of the 5 Elements. Autumn is Metal, and the meridains are Lung and Large Intestine.
Autumn is a good time of year to cleanse or release those things that do not nourish and support your health and well being. This will inhance the immune system making it easier to guard against upper respiratory infections. We release through the Large Intestine to help protect the Lung. This illustrates the simple wisdom of this ancient healing system, as these two pathways are paired and interrelated on both a physical and emotional/spiritual level.
On a psycho-spiritual level Lung is inspiration and Large Intestine is letting go. Although we often want assurances before we make a leap of faith, life often calls us to first let go, creating a void or a space for our inspiration to manifest. This is the courage that Autumn asks of us.
Metal is about value. What do we value enough to spend our time on? Does the life we are living reflect those values? The autumnal journey of moving inward calls us to look at these and similar questions. This call is not about getting answers as much as it is about becoming aware. It is difficult to move into greater balance without awarness as to what is pulling us out of balance. Our greatest tool to aid awareness is the Breath. Something any of us can do anytime; breathe. We can pause and take time to breathe with intention. With each deep breath, we can release tension and thoughts that do not create peace. Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong, are all diciplines with which we can increase our energy, and inner balance with regular practice.
Grief is the emotion associated with the Metal element. There are many aspects of grief. Looking out at the vibrant leaves, one is aware they are quickly falling, and before long the trees will be bare and Winter will be upon us. There is a poignancy associated with this awareness which is an aspect of grief. Yet the leaves will become rich soil supporting the new seedlings in the spring, and the trees maintain their health and life force through the Winter by shedding their leaves. Looking at the cycles of life in this way helps us to bring a more complete perspective and to mature our ideas about personal loss. There is nothing 'wrong', it is a natural and necessary piece of a cycle of life. But it is just a piece. Our health and wellbeing suffers when we either avoid or hang on to grief. It can be challenging to open to, but when we experience loss, it is vitally important that we allow our grief. There are as many ways to grieve as there are people. In other words, there is no right way; the key is to let the energy of the loss move through you, and feel the feelings. It is only when we fear the emotions and move to block their expression that they move into our tissues and become pathology.