In the spring I made mention of nature's knowing when to bloom as the season erupts to life (see Discover your Potential blog). The same holds true as we transition into autumn. As the leaves start to change into a marvelous spectrum of golds, oranges and reds it reminds me again of balance and the beauty of all parts of healing. In order for us to enjoy the fall colors the trees must let their leaves go. It is a reminder of the beauty in death and the empty branches a reminder and promise of new life next spring. While movement is important in the spring to cleanse and to nourish, stillness is equally as important in the autumn. The earth is transitioning into a time of rest and reflection and this is the perfect time to do the same in our lives and bodies. The cooler air makes for perfect sleeping weather and as the days become shorter you might take a hint from the early setting sun and retire to bed a little earlier.

This cycle also makes me think of final relaxation at the end of a yoga class sometimes referred to as svasana or corpse pose. Some would argue this simple pose can be the hardest and also where the true benefits of the yoga practice come from. While corpse pose seems a little morbid this posture of laying with a straight spine, relaxed legs and open palms is a posture of receiving. We can not recieve relaxation without first letting go of tension. It is in this posture that we create space to receive. It is the stillness of this space that we can listen. Autumn is a perfect time to practice letting go. If you have been carrying around a negative label (of illness, mood, thoughts etc) perhaps now is the time to stop identifying yourself with this label and release it with the autumn leaves. A college professor once put it so elequently, suffer beautifully. As you let go there may be pain invite this pain to be as Christine Northrup puts it, "pain filled joy or joy filled pain." 

Be gentle with your body as the seasons transition. Move slowly and with awareness. Make note of your thoughts and replace each negative thought with a positive one. Enjoy the fruits of harvest and start to cook your meals slower enjoying soups and stews. Think how beautiful next spring will be by cleansing properly with the fall creating space in reflection to receive the benefits of your efforts of summer and join us for your fall acupuncture tune-up at Whole Health Acupuncture.


Sarah Zender LAc LMT is co-founder of Whole Health Acupuncture. You can contact her at Sarah@wholehealthprograms.com

Whole Health Acupuncture
50 Turner Ave Suite 101
Elk Grove Village IL 60007
847.357.3929
www.wholehealthprograms.com