Finding Balance - The Autumn Equinox
If you are in the Northern Hemisphere today is one of the most important days in the natural calendar: the Autumn Equinox, a perfect time to focus on balance as the equinox marks the moment when day and night are equal, Yin and Yang in perfect harmony.
As I wrote last week, this time of year is perfect for decluttering, making space in our homes and minds, and retaining only what is most precious to us. This season is not just about creating space physically and emotionally, it is also about building resilience and strengthening our spirit so that we are ready for the more inward-focused energy of Winter.
In traditional Chinese medicine, this autumn time is often seen as being metaphorically like perimenopause. A time to let go and begin to slow down and nourish the Yin energy, the cool quiet centered side of us. Autumn is also associated with the Lungs (metal element)
I would like to offer you some practical tips for this autumn time.
Eat
Try to include more Yin and lung-nourishing foods like pears, apples, honey, and various types of mushrooms. All things that are abundant at this time of year. I love that my neighbour has honey for sale at her house from her bee hives and the apple trees in my garden and on my daily dog walk are ladened with sweet truly organic fruit.
Focus on Lung Health
In TCM the lungs are associated with grief, an emotion that often surfaces in perimenopause as well as at the turning of the seasons.
Journaling or quiet meditation can help you to identify any stress or tension you might be experiencing. Acknowledge that feeling, and use compassion meditations to intentionally let go of any negative emotions that do not serve you. Feel gratitude for the lessons you have learned and let that feeling go, appreciating the clear and light space it has left inside you – space that you can now fill with whatever you want.
It is also a lovely self-care practice to stimulate the Shanzhong (CV17): Located at the center of the chest, Shanzhong is a potent point for nourishing Yin and regulating the Heart and Lung energies. It can be used to address perimenopausal symptoms related to emotions like grief and anxiety. This can be further supported by adding a small drop of an essential oil to the point and gently massaging the point- Rose is perfect here!
Wishing you a peaceful equinox
Clarissa x