Autumn: when letting-go is letting-in

Some of you might have heard, or can imagine why, Autumn is considered the season of letting go. Nature transforms its vibrant green hues into rusty and golden tones before eventually shedding the leaves one by one. This occurs due to the gradual cooling of the air and the shortening of days. Nature turns inward in preparation for even colder days and the winter rest.

However, fewer people consider Autumn as a time of letting in as well. Consider trees and plants that draw their sap, rich in nutrients, from their branches into their trunks and roots. Think about the Earth's soil that absorbs the lifeless leaves that have fallen to the ground, enriching it with minerals.

How does it work in our bodies? Autumn resonates energetically with two organs: Colon and Lungs. During this season these two organs are most active. Our bodies will expel the old acumulations through the Large Intestine and take in the new through the breaths of the Lungs. There is a specific relationship between these two organs. As one lets go, the other lets in, but most interestingly this process functions both ways, like a see-saw: the Colon impacting the function of the Lungs and the Lungs having an effect on the Colon.

How can we maximise the activity of these organs during Autumn months?

Physically, for the Colon, we can make some dietary adjustments, adding more fibre from vegetables and fruits, especially cooked ones to avoid cooling off the body too much. Fruits and veg include natural prebiotics, nutrients for the good bacteria present in the gut. And if you have never tried supplementing with good microbes, probiotics such as Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus, this is definitely the time to give it a go. They naturally occur in yoghurt, kefir, or fermented vegetables. You can also supplement them with a good product. The good bacteria balance off the bad ones, the illness provoking ones. So, this preparation is essential for our seasonal immunity as well.

Emotionally and mentally, when our Large Intestine functions smoothly (ideally emptying after each meal as per ancient standards), we have more mental clarity and can better process our thoughts and emotions. Being clear and conscious of our thoughts and emotions makes it much easier to release them. This refers to the immediate or distant events in our lives. Autumn is an ideal moment to clear the past, and, most importantly, open ourselves to embrace the new.

For that matter there are Lungs, responsible for taking in air, providing us with the essential life-sustaining oxygen. For the Lungs, "letting go" actually means "letting in". Because on one hand, regularly and thoroughly emptying the bowels allows breaths to travel deeper into our abdomen. But on the other hand, the breath itself supplies the energy needed for inner downward movement to happen. Pushing down the clear breath will eventually push out the impurities. Have you observed that your elimination improves after a brisk walk? This is due to both the physical activity and the increased oxygen intake.

Autumn is an ideal season for taking walks, to invigorate your lungs and body with oxygen and to contemplate what you want to permanently let go of as you move forward with each step. The remaining leaves on the trees are a golden yellow, symbolizing the importance of holding onto only the "gold standards" in our lives: the people, events, things, and activities that are most precious to you. So simultaneously with each step and each inbreath, spread your arms wide and take in deeply the new and pure energy.

In fact, you may notice that your Lung capacity is greater or is demanding expansion these days. In Classical Chinese Medicine, there are three forms of "renewable" energy in our body: breath, food and rest. The breath is the most active form (Yang) which makes things move, making us feel instantaneously invigorated. Hence, there is such a long and rich tradition of breathing techniques within medical Qi Gong practices.

Therefore, this season in particular, I encourage you to engage in practising breathing techniques and/or Qi Gong. It is beyond healthy emptying. It is about a special autumnal alchemy that occurs when the air, in Classial Chinese Medicine called Tian Qi, "Heavenly breaths", diffuse inside our bodies. Tian Qi brings into our being a connection with that which is beyond physical and mortal, that which is divine and eternal. With each "letting in" of the "Heavenly breaths" we connect to the divine that surrounds us and the divine inside of us. There won't be a better time to do that than in Autumn.

If you desire to learn three simple breathing techniques to let in the "Heavenly breaths", I encourage you to connect to this YouTube channel for registered and live meditation sessions:

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Letting in the "Heavenly breaths" - Tian Qi

Late Summer - when transition is transformation

Have you noticed that the end of Summer brings on a particular kind of heaviness? Some attribute it to the conclusion of the holidays and the return to routine and the monotony of daily life. However, it’s all about the energy around us. Since early February, the energy has been building, but it began to diminish around mid-August. By early September, we find ourselves in the midst of a transition period leading us into the more Yin phase of the year. Yin is characterized by being more hidden, darker, slower, and less vibrant, balancing out the high vibe months we've just experienced.

Each seasonal change involves a transition period between the conclusion of one season and the start of the next. However, the transition at the end of Summer is unique. It is more than just a transition; it is a period of transformation. Transformation refers to altering form, nature, or appearance. Alternatively, it can be described as a metamorphosis, conversion, or transmutation.

Let's observe Nature; it's the last chance to transform flowers into fruits. This is the peak time for Nature to ripen its fruits before energy diminishes. Plants that have already borne fruit start to wither, undergoing their further transformation. It is truly the time of abundance, both of quantity and variety. This sense of satiety is one of the reasons for the heaviness left in Late Summer.

A close-up of the zucchini flower's vibrant center highlights its detailed textures and golden tones.

Just as changes occur in nature, similar shifts happen within human beings; we can also sense these transitions affecting our bodies. After following a quick "on-the-go" Summer diet, our bodies might signal a need for proper nutrition. The signs your body may exhibit in Late Summer can include digestive issues, slower digestion, fatigue, bloating, swollen legs and general swelling, headaches, difficulty falling asleep, exacerbation of some chronic conditions, and the return of candida and other fungal issues. These examples indicate that your body is struggling to transform food into nourishing blood. The organs involved are the Stomach and Spleen, and the symptoms appear when their energies are weak and in need of strengthening.

To enhance Stomach and Spleen health during this time, modify your diet to include more cooked foods (such as porridge for breakfast instead of cold yogurt), eliminate ice cream, and incorporate honey and warm water to support your Stomach and Spleen. Begin your day with a glass of warm water. If you experience digestive issues, consume some ginger after meals. Go to bed an hour or half an hour earlier than during holidays to adjust to gradually shorter days and ensure sufficient rest. If you are struggling with symptoms and a feeling of heaviness, eliminate gluten, dairy, and processed sugars from your diet until you feel better.

The Spleen and Stomach are two organs that will assist you in adapting to the approaching Autumn and also play a role in your current mental and psychological transformation.

We are experiencing a truly transformative period in September. It's an ideal time to mentally organize your life and transform the burden of new post-holiday responsibilities into a fresh routine. With the start of a new academic year, our daily habits can be reshaped. It's not about cramming your schedule, but rather creating a sustainable and nourishing rhythm. Let your days unfold like a dance routine—smooth, creative, expressive, and fulfilling. Analyze how you spend your time during the day: how much is dedicated to self-care versus house-care, how much time is spent working and commuting compared to being in nature, and how much time do you spend in front of a screen versus nurturing a hobby or relationship?

What thoughts fill your mind throughout the day? Engaging in conscious reflection, particularly during meditation, can help identify which thoughts should be transformed from repetitive or negative into more productive and positive ones. This practice of mental hygiene can release a significant amount of energy that might otherwise remain trapped.

This period offers your soul a chance to return to its origins after the erratic, vibrant, and social energy of summer. It's an ideal moment to reflect, find your center, and ground yourself to process everything that has occurred. Don't feel guilty if you're not up for hosting another dinner party! This feeling aligns with the present energy. Focus on your needs and nurture yourself with rest and beauty; for instance, enjoy a massage or another pampering experience. Receiving is crucial for transformation of the soul's nourishment.

In certain respects, it's another journey around the Sun since you last had the chance to re-center. What transformation have you already undergone and what aspects within you have matured for metamorphosis? Maybe you're prepared to take on new responsibilities that bring fulfillment and let go of those that are merely burdensome. Perhaps that is part of the heaviness you are feeling this month.

If you find yourself needing help during the transition period of September, schedule a seasonal treatment to support the transformation of food, thoughts, and experiences into nourishment for your body, mind, and soul.

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The bitter side of Love - Summer Chicory flowers story

Initially, it might seem harsh to equate Love with a bitter flavour because of our cultural link between bitterness and displeasure. However, consider how many people enjoy drinking coffee or tea. Both beverages have a bitter taste, with coffee being more bitter than tea. This suggests that our negative perceptions of bitterness may need some reconsideration.

What is the function of bitter in Chinese Medicine? Bitter has the energetic effect of descending. Whether it is to send down a big and heavy meal or calming overly excited Heart, it has a downward directionality.

You might wonder, if love is about elevation and passionate energy, then bitter surely works in the opposite way, correct? Well, let's explore it further.

In Chinese Medicine (and likewise in Classical Greek philosophy) there are Five fundamental elements/energies on which all material and immaterial existence is based. The Five Elements of Chinese Medicine are: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood; and everything can be associated with these elements.

Fire is associated with the Summer season, with fire, with the red colour, with the Heart, with Love and with the bitter taste. That already suggest that bitter tasting herbs, especially blue-violet Chicory flowers, are going to be beneficial to the Heart and its emotion of love.

Studying Bach flower essences has helped me grasp the significance of this bitter herb in relation to the emotion of Love. Edward Bach wrote about people who need the Chicory essence:

"…people are full of love and care for their families and friends. But they expect to receive love and attention in return, with interest, and feel slighted and unnecessarily hurt if they don’t get all they expect.

Their great love can lead them to hold onto their loved ones and try to keep them dependent and close to hand.

This may stifle the development of other personalities, or simply drive people away.

When we fall into this state the remedy helps bring out the positive side of Chicory: love given unconditionally and in freedom."

Chicory flower essence

To me, the significance lies in how Chicory serves to strengthen and solidify the emotion of love, making it even more lasting. Reflecting on it, in any loving relationships there comes a point where we must acknowledge and accept something about our partner or family member that may not agree perfectly with us and we may attempt to impose our will rather than let the other be. The bitter-tasting Chicory helps us with accepting the other lovingly, sending it down, swallowing the facts, and by doing so our loving feelings are actually anchored down.

This process in Five Elements describes the dynamic of the Fire and the Water element. Water element corresponds to the Winter season, the colour blue, the Kidneys and the emotion of fear. By ancoring the emotion of Love in the depths of Water energy, the Heart may become unsure and insecure. Hence the blue-violet blooms of Chicory serve as a perfect bridge between the Fire and Water element; supporting the Heart and assuring its connection with the enduring and life-sustaining Water element.

In conclusion, enduring, profound and lasting love requires bitterness as a crucial ingredient. Without it, love may remain superficial, self-centered, conditional or fleeting.

Now... I am off to finish my Chicory flower essence I have harvested and infused earlier today, potentiated with crystals.

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