Autumn: A Time For Letting Go

We have had a spectacular Autumn this year in Colorado. Once again, we see nature complete a cycle
and allow the next season to begin. In the Summer, we are active and full of energy. In the Fall, we
begin to slow down in preparation for winter. Autumn is a time for letting go. This seasonal transition
is a beautiful time to take a close look at our lives. Are our homes filled with free flowing, positive
energy and clear spaces? Are our bodies nourished with healthy foods, exercise, and rest? Are our
relationships filled with kindness, open communication, and love? If not, what do we need to let go of
this season?

As in nature, the leaves let go and die in order for the tree to replenish itself and return new leaves in
the Spring. Trees never stubbornly hold onto their leaves for fear of needing them next year; yet, how
many of us hold on to old clutter in our lives with the fear of needing it someday? The Fall is a great
time for us to let go as well – both in the physical and emotional sense. How many of us are holding on
to old keepsakes, old relationships, old grudges, old clothes? Once we are able to release these material
items, negative emotions, and unhealthy relationships that have a hold on us, we can only then open
ourselves up for what the universe has in store.

The Chinese organs connected with Autumn are the Lung and Large Intestine. The emotion connected
with the Lung is grief. When the Lung is in balance, we grieve an appropriate amount of time, and then
are able to let go and move on. The paired organ to the Lung is the Large Intestine. The function of
the Large Intestine is to collect the waste material and then let it go. Problems with constipation can
often arise when we are holding on too tightly in other areas of our lives. This can also be thought of in
terms of our mind and the toxic junk that is thrown at us in the media every day. Take it in, then let it
go; otherwise, our minds also become toxic and have difficulty seeing the beauty and good that
surrounds us. Acupuncture can help balance the Lung-Large Intestine energy and aid in the process of
letting go.

Autumn is about letting go, but it is also about taking in the pure. Breathe in the cool, crisp Autumn
air, be nurtured by it, and then let it go. The Lungs and Large Intestine work together as a pair: the
Lungs take in the pure and the Large Intestine eliminates the waste. When these organs fail to do their
job, we start to see coughs, shortness of breath, bronchitis, allergies, constipation, abdominal pain, and
diarrhea. In an emotional sense, by hanging on, we live in a constant state of fear, stubbornness,
anxiety, chaos, and clutter. We see the negative side and all that could potentially go wrong. By letting
go, we clear space and open ourselves to what really matters in life. Emotionally, Fall is a good time to
evaluate all of the old patterns and resentments, and begin to let go.

So make a commitment to yourself this season to let go of at least one item, one thought, one grudge
that is no longer needed in your life. Let it go and experience the purest sense of freedom!