Autumn – A season for gratitude
The months of autumn 秋 correspond to the Metal phase, the Lungs and the Large Intestine. In this season all things ripen. The weather cools; winds strengthen; and colors change.
“Go to bed early and rise with the rooster’s crow.”
Huang Di Nei Jing
Autumn is a time of reaping and gathering in. A time of gratitude for all the good things in our lives.
Since the lungs are associated with this season, try this:
- Take a slow, deep, full breath in through your nose. Feel the breath expanding your tummy.
- With the lungs full, pause for 5 or so heartbeats. Drop your shoulders and allow your body to relax. Try to sense the ever-present flow of energy in the body.
- Exhale very slowly through pursed lips allowing the lungs to gently deflate. As you are exhaling, allow your mind to show you those aspects of life that you are grateful for. They may include your health, your job, your free time, a relationship, even material things like a safe living space, or reliable transportation.
How does that feel? You can repeat this process 3 or 4 times.
Food-wise, moderate amounts of pungent foods like horseradish, garlic, onions, ginger, and mustard are beneficial to the lungs. Consider denser foods like squash, pumpkin, root vegetable, and seeds including nuts and grains.
Now is the time to strengthen your qi to prepare for winter. Remember, meditation, tai chi, qigong, and yoga are always good choices for any season.
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