“To Everything There is a Season …..turn, turn, turn,” are the words to a popular song in the 60’s. The words actually came from the Bible but it was made into a hit by The Byrds and written as a plea for world peace.

As the seasons change and we near the end of Autumn, it seems a pertinent time to reflect on what this time of year really means to us and what peace it brings into our lives. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Autumn is represented by the Metal element which is indicative of a time of slowing down.

In the body, Metal means the minerals and trace elements that we need for our health. They originate from Mother Earth and are present in the soil. As trees lose their leaves, their nutrients are returned to the earth to nourish future growth. It is a time of quietening down. As trees drop their leaves, space is created and a quality of the Metal element is spaciousness and allowing ourselves to breathe.

As we leave Autumn behind and head into Winter, how can we create more space in our lives? How can we allow ourselves to breathe? Just as many animals hibernate in the colder months, maybe we can create space by slowing down. We lead such busy lives, with our careers, families, social media and ‘to do’ lists a mile long. Can we let go of something?

Perhaps we can allow time just to breathe. Time for mediation, time in nature, time doing ‘fun’ things rather than the never-ending things we feel we ‘should’ do. Maybe we can nurture ourselves more.

As the colder months arrive, let’s welcome in more nourishing foods, such as hot broths or soups and warming casseroles. Do more things to fuel your soul such as time with friends, creative pursuits and activities that bring you joy and peace.

Is it time for another Facial Reflexology session or a soothing massage? It’s a great time of year to boost your Immune System for the colder months ahead, so despite the cold, move your body more. If it’s too wet to go outside, dance around the house or do exercises to a YouTube video. Take time to relax and read a book (mine is available here) or rug up and watch a great movie.

To everything there is a season so learn to live by nature’s cycle. Just as the leaves of Autumn fall to the ground, what can we let go of as we head towards Winter? Can we let go of the need to be there for everyone by trying to please everyone around us, to the detriment of our own needs? Can we learn to say ‘No’ to people and activities that no longer bring us joy? Can we allow more quietness into our lives? Can we learn to accept the things we cannot change and let go of control?

Although many of us don’t particularly like the cold, myself included, the changing seasons are a part of Nature. They sustain us so that we don’t get burnt out, they allow for time to grow and time to heal. They allow for birth and a letting go of the old, that no longer serves us. They allow for us to be more active in the summer months and to slow down as winter approaches.

To everything there is a season so allow yourself to accept this. Put your own needs first, be more loving with yourself and give yourself the gift of peace and spaciousness that this season deserves.

With warmest wishes,

Judy xxx

References: “Turn, Turn, Turn” by The Byrds. “The Way of the Five Seasons” by John Kirkwood. Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash.com

Disclaimer: Please note that all information in this article is the opinion of the author and obtained through her research and knowledge and the above references. It is not meant to replace medical advice and a medical opinion should always be obtained for any health condition.