I am sat here wrapped up in a blanket with my slippers on feeling the bite of the cold from this chilly Autumn morning. Only last week I was sat on the beach preparing for a swim in the warm sunshine. I have to be honest, I hate it when Summer is over. I resist it so much.
In Chinese medicine we are now entering the Metal season and the key emotion associated with this element, and its organ the Lungs, is grief. Ultimately this season is about being able to let go, to appreciate what has gone before, to learn the lessons, to feel the pain of loss and be able to move on. To know there is beauty in every moment and to embrace the change.
I am currently in perimenopause, which is often likened to the season of Autumn before the winter of the menopause when the monthly bleed has stopped for at least 12 months, I am acutely aware of the grief this brings, the hanging on to my younger self, the not wanting to age, to go through this crazy up and down hormonal season of life.
However, through my studies in Chinese Medicine I can see clearly now a big part of the suffering associated with it is the resistance to change, the hanging on to the past and not welcoming Lifes flow.
I am historically a horder. I hold on to possessions for sentimental reasons and just in case I need them one day! I am getting better. I over the past year I have released much “stuff” and just this week I had a big clear out of the house, creating space and beauty which has felt good.
Space is a theme of Autumn going into Winter, as the leaves create space to see more of the sky through the branches and perhaps there are less social engagements, more time inside for rest and early nights. Of course the lungs need space in the chest to be able to breathe. Conscious breath helps to create space in the mind and body to be able to think clearly and notice patterns that are no longer serving, to be able to release them for the new.
Letting go of things, patterns, jobs, relationships, creates space for something better to come along. It can often be a scary process letting go of something that is not serving, but it’s amazing how the space does get filled soon after. There is the saying “nature abhors a vacum” . I remember that when something doesn’t work out (like a Yoga classes for example) and I have to drop it, something better always comes along.
As well at the Metal element, being able to go with the flow of life also relates to the Wood element, the Liver Qi. The Liver manages a healthy flow of energy, and emotions, around the body and in life. One thing I find helpful when navigating change is to make a plan. This is the realm of the Liver, to have a vision and to get organised around that, directing your energy where needed. For example, with Perimenopause I am now doing a “Yoga for Perimenopause” course and plan to set up women’s circles to offer support through this time to others, this gives me a purpose and keeps me inspired. I feel like I am stepping into a new version of myself, the older wiser me. Educating myself and putting new practices for myself into place feels empowering rather than spending time in resistance and hanging on to what has now passed.
How are you with change? What are your strategies for navigating it?
Perhaps there is something you are resisting right now. If so you may like to reflect:
What have I learnt from this?
What were the blessings?
What can I do to let go now? Maybe it’s a conversation, a ritual an action….
How do I see my new future with out X?
Who will I be being?
What will I be doing?
How will this positively impact my life?
What are the first few steps to take towards this?
I will leave you with this quote to reflect on….
“If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.” -Maya Angelou
