Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a traditional and holistic approach to medicine. An ancient way of being and a harmonious way of being in communion with nature. Every season TCM connects us to one of the five elements - earth, wood, water, metal, fire that are fundamental to the cycles of nature and are reflected in our bodies. Each element is associated with its own particular season, organ system and emotion. The foundation of Yin yoga incorporates TCM practices and philosophy that carries tremendous benefits both physically and physiologically.
This Seasonal Yin blog series is an opportunity for us to dive into the seasons and learn tools, sequences and tips to cultivate a relationship with the outer world and our inner world.
The world has strayed from the awareness we once had with seasonal changes, our emotions, health and our lifestyles. We’ve worked against and manipulated nature's natural ebb and flow thinking we know better. All this leads to is disharmony, uneasiness and imbalance.
TCM closes the gap between the inner and outer worlds. We eliminate disease and remain in tune with nature and our inner nature. It’s a wonderful practice to empower ourselves with and develop an intimate mind-body connection.
Our Seasonal Yin Series will start with Autumn. Get your cozy sweaters out, favorite tea, a pen and a pad, and soak in the fall vibes this season. It's sweattah wettah!
AUTUMN : Lungs : L. Intestine : Metal : Release : Balance : Earth : Change : Justice
Living in Toronto, Canada is a treat because we get to experience all 4 seasons in one year. By far, the prettiest time of year is Autumn. There are so many natural beauties in Canada and watching the trees is one of them. Being able to witness the leaves change color one last time is inspiring and encouraging. It’s like the trees know this is their final performance so they go all out and show us a ray of colors from auburns to gold and every shade in between. Once the show is over heading into November, the leaves fall and leave the trees bare.
Its innate ability to release, move through change and rest throughout the season is the intelligence of Autumn teaching us through the Metal element, the Lungs and Large Intestine to find balance and virtue justice.
TCM sees Autumn as a transitional season. A season of change, introspection and grief/sadness. At the end of summer, it being an expressive yang season, things begin to slow down and the transition of yang becoming yin is in its process. The days slowly become shorter, darker and quieter. This process is a time for reflection, introspection and letting go. It’s almost as if the summer season gives us space to let go of responsibility, shine our rays, treat ourselves more, open our hearts to new things and live out loud. Yoga on a whole teaches us balance and yin specifically aids us with the natural shifts and transitions found in nature. The perfect balance.
Metal is heavy, yet projects a stillness, a slowness, and is capable of change without losing its integrity. It’s associated with the coming and going of life, the end of cycles, the rhythms of the breath and the excretory functions. The Lungs transform the air we breathe and provide oxygen for our bodies to function optimally. The Large Intestine eliminates the waste our bodies no longer need.
At this time of year we may find ourselves in deep thought, contemplating what the next few months will look like, beginning to slow down yet September can feel like a new year for some where things feel motivating and studious.
The next time you catch your Self daydreaming, sorting your feelings or thoughts, looking for answers but nothing is clear remember that's what this time is for. Transitions are a cleanse, they're meant to confuse and provoke us to experience change rather than be led by it. This is a time for grace and self compassion.
Here are a few questions Autumn asks of us this season. Feel free to contemplate and/or journal any findings.
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How do you digest change?
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How do you nourish yourself in a transitional season (e.g. autumn/spring)?
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What areas of your life can you find more balance?
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What parts of you/your life are ending?
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Where do you feel you're just beginning?
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Describe where you find any difficulty or challenge during this season?
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Describe where you find joy during Autumn? What do you look forward to?
As nature begins moving inward, slowing down and allowing its innate ability to flow with change so do we. Every season we have an opportunity to unite the inner and outer worlds, our inner and outer nature and increase this bond between the two. A bond that awakens our superpowers, strengthens our mind-body connection & reminds us that we are meant to be in tune with nature. It’s our birthright.
Happy Autumn 🍂
Patricia
Patricia McPherson is a 500+ hour Canadian Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Instructor and Continuing Educator in Toronto, Canada. She certifies 40 hours in both Yin yoga and Yoga Nidra. Visit her webpage: www.patriciamcpherson.ca for course offerings, and you can practice and stay updated through her socials both Instagram and Youtube at Relax With Pat. Feel free to connect with her!
