Staying Well in Autumn
Autumn is a time for slowing down, resting and letting go of what we no longer need. But it is also a time for gratitude and for appreciating that which we treasure most in our lives.
In Chinese medicine Autumn is associated with the organs of the Lungs. Well nourished Lung energy is said to manifest in strong immunity, physical vitality, bright skin, a powerful voice, a healthy sense of self worth and having good boundaries.
An imbalance in Lung energy is often associated with a weak immune system, low energy levels, respiratory issues, skin problems, sadness/grief, a lack of self esteem, harsh judgement and difficulty letting go.
To help nourish your Lung energy this Autumn, try making some of the following activities part of your daily routine:
Get outside! Wrap up well against the cold (make sure to wear a hat and scarf) and head out for a walk in the fresh air (in nature if possible).
Cultivate a daily breathing practice. Try sitting or lying down for 5 minutes or more each day. Begin by placing the hands somewhere on the body where you can feel the movement of your breath. Begin by following the movement of the breath into your hands - how the hands expand with each inhale and contract with the exhale. If it’s comfortable, you could count the length of the inhale and exhale and see if you could make them both the same length. If that’s comfortable, you could then try to slowly extend the length of the breath (without forcing, straining, holding the breath in any way). If either of those isn’t comfortable for you, continue to breath naturally focusing on the movement of the breath into the hands.
Slow down! Make sure to take time to rest every day. Too often we measure the ‘success’ of a day by how much we’ve crossed off our ‘to do’ list. Instead, try shifting your mindset to focus on how well you’ve taken care of yourself each day.
Practise slower forms of yoga - Yin yoga, Restorative yoga. Incorporate a short meditation at the beginning and end of each yoga practice.
Sing along to your favourite songs!
Go for a swim. If you’re outdoors, make sure you dry yourself off as soon as you’re out of the water and don’t catch a chill by staying in a cold, wet swimming costume.
Try dry skin brushing before you shower/bathe.
Eat seasonal, warming and hearty Autumnal foods.
Keep your home clean and clear of clutter.
Take time to reflect on any losses that you have experienced so far this year. Then contemplate any gains that there may have been. Consider what matters most to you right now? What are you grateful for? Who/what is a priority for you? Reflecting upon both the precariousness and preciousness of life, take time each day before you go to bed to write down three things that you were grateful for that day.
