“You cannot carry the dead in the branches of your tree of life”~ Carolyn Myss.
Fall: Move downward, typically rapidly and freely without control, from a higher to a lower level.
The sun falls lower in the sky. The days fall shorter. The leaves fall from their branches. We, as society, fall back in line as we hunker down into school and work. And, since life reflects nature- our emotional and physical bodies fall deeper into our “gut center” from the heady, expansive energy of summer. This shift from the outward and energetic expressions of the season past to inward quiet can cause feelings of “falling apart” like grief, sadness, anger and loss.
Picture a tree, the ultimate symbol of knowledge and life. This time of year the tree pulls its nourishment, wisdom and exterior vibrancy inward. It lets go of its leaves to retain nourishment for new, future growth and roots itself deeply to the earth to sustain the elements ahead. As these leaves fall, they fall with an unpredictable sway and spiral to the ground; a kind of beautiful chaos. This act of letting go is essential to the flow of life. It is a time of looking at what we must shed physically and emotionally. And, like the leaves, as we release what no longer holds life for us we can feel very chaotic and full of grief. But, the leaves do find a gentle resting place on the earth to be resorbed and dispersed back into the cycle. If we defy this natural process and choose to hold onto the dead, this can manifest as dis-order in the physical body. It’s a time of “let go and let GOD”.
Fall is the season of the metal element in nature and is represented physically by our lungs and large intestine, according to TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). The large intestines are responsible for eliminating what no longer serves the body as the lungs take in the crisp air that can ground and focus us. When we fight this process of letting go and grounding, these organs will show signs of dis-ease:
Physical~
- Constipation
- IBS/Colitis
- Asthma/Bronchitis
- Chronic Colds and Sore Throat
- Fatigue
- Dryness of the body-brittle hair and nails
- Cravings for extreme comfort foods (sugar, fat, salt)
Emotional~
- Anger/Grief/Despair
- Depression
- Rigid thoughts- Excessive Control
- Unclear Decisions
- Holding on too tight
- Cravings for extreme comfort foods (sugar, fat, salt)- yes, it’s emotional also.
So as the changes, emotions and cravings challenge you, don’t fall apart and miss the earthly gifts of this season that can nourish your mind, body and soul. Create the space for yourself to observe and embrace the feelings that “letting go” and shedding can create. Look to nature for cues how to ground, shed and breathe it all in.
Put your “root down”…
- Eat the roots of the earth- The farmer’s market stands and grocery stores are piled high with pumpkin, squash, and potatoes in all colors of the rainbow. You can also find some very healing and unique root veggies this time of year like Burdock root and Jerusalem Artichoke. Root vegetables are VERY grounding. They also have a natural sweetness that can help control cravings for sugary, gooey, salty comfort foods.
- Go back to your roots- Gather close with family and your dearest friends. Look at relationships that do not serve you, let them go and find support in the ones that do.
- Breathe deep into your root place- Your first chakra is also called your root chakra and is at the base of your spine/perineum. You can find emotional grounding and balance through meditation and deep breathing into this area. Visualize the rich colors of earthly reddish hues. Do this for 5 minutes each day.
- Give your roots a rub down. The belly holds your body’s roots of health. You can assist the release of toxic build up in your large intestine and restore overall gut health through abdominal massage and supportive bodywork. Specifically The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy™. Release, restore, relax..
Coco-Butternut Squash Soup with Indian Spices (Soothing, Grounding and Delicious)
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin coconut oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth or homemade bone broth (very healing)
- 1 cup coconut milk (you can substitute light but will not be as thick)
- 1 large butternut squash, baked, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1/2 tsp.each turmeric, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp.cayenne
- sea salt and Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
What to do:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake 1 large butternut squash in oven for 35-45 minutes. Let cool, peel, seed and cut into large cubes.
- In a medium stockpot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and spices and cook for another 2 minutes. Add the squash and broth and bring to a boil. Cover pot and let simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In batches, transfer soup to a high speed blender or food processor and blend until pureed. Return to the post and heat on low. Adjust spices, as needed. Serve warm, top with toasted pumpkin seeds.
Navigating through these changes and finding your root is always easier with some guidance from a Health Coach. Whether it’s a one month makeover or ongoing support a Health Coach can give you the tools you need to understand your body and find your balance.
For more information on the guidance in this article and more, please email: [email protected]
Jamie Lashbrook ~ Listen to Your Gut
CHHC & Student of The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy™ and Therapeutic Bodywork
