As we feel the seasonal shift from Late Summer into Fall, we (in Chinese Medicine) connect with the element of Metal (think of crystals, gold, silver, minerals from the Earth that nourish us, alchemy), and the organ systems of Lungs and Large Intestine (more info in the archives here).
The themes are exhalation and letting go. Releasing what no longer serves, what is no longer needed. The most instinctual, animal part of our soul, connected with breath and skin and bowels. Grieving loss, and also treasuring the preciousness of the moment, the sacredness of each breath.
Are we holding our breath (or our bowels)? What are we still holding onto? Is it an old belief, a fear, a no-longer-useful pattern? So much easier said than done- to release and return to what is truly our essence, what we truly value.
In order to let go, we may also need to forgive. Forgive ourselves, forgive our bodies, forgive our friends and/or family, forgive losses and limitations, forgive the world, forgive our fear and anger, forgive ourselves for not being ready to forgive yet...
As I actively attend to this process in my own life, it is helpful to remember that the word "forgive" has generosity embedded within it. As I tune into the part of me that doesn't feel ready to forgive and let go of a hurt, I can feel the way that part is grasping, holding on to my story and pattern of grievance (an interesting word, now that I think about it).
What would would it mean to actually truly be with and and grieve the losses that are within the wounds (I picture those grasping hands resting gently on my heart for this part), and then, while still comforting my own heart, release in a way where my hands, instead of grasping, are open and giving? I see a generosity of the heart (and hands, it seems) in the verb to forgive.
And also having some tenderness with ourselves in all of our grief and forgiveness processes...
What does it mean to fully exhale and release, in a way that then allows a full inhalation, inspiration?
As the trees slowly begin to turn and let go of some of their leaves, how can we too let go of this season's compost and turn our energy inward and down, into the nutrients of our soil- what is rooting and re-sourcing us?
As we let go of this breath, we must have faith that the next breath will fill our lungs. May that idea inspire us (pun intended) to have faith that even in the precariousness and mystery of this one vulnerable life, we are still held in Love. And may we hold our own deep being with love and forgiveness, and find in our truest essence a steady compass.