The Season of Autumn: BREATH & Let Go

“Don’t underestimate the value of doing nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.”

– Pooh’s Little Instruction Book

Breath is the power behind all things… I breathe in and know that good things will happen.

– Tao Porchon-Lynch

Associated with …

Element: Metal
Color: White
System: Respiratory

Organs: Yin—Lungs, Yang—Large Intestines
Push Qi Down…
Direction: WEST
Area of Influence: Skin (Breathe from all your pores! “Wei Chi”)

Sense Organ: Nose/breath
Releasing Sound: Zzzz … Ssss
Energy: Stabilizing

LUNGS house sadness, grief & depression >>> and >>> inspiration, courage & appreciation
Pungent Foods & Herbs

A personality dominated by Metal will have clear boundaries and a strong sense of honor, integrity and truth. Generally very organized and with strong planning skills, this person will likely have a smooth complexion and slim frame. Known for punctuality and order, this person will be fair and sometimes a bit distant and aloof.

The Season of autumn is a time of settling down, going inward, and letting go of encumbrances, burdens and things that aren’t needed for the winter months ahead. Focus on breathing deeply, practicing cleansing breaths and clearing movements. These actions help us improve both the quantity and the quality of our Qi. Deep abdominal breathing allows the lungs to absorb more oxygen supplying the blood and organs and maintaining a strong immune system.  The food we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we drink also impact Qi. How we relate to others, especially our close relationships, and how we navigate situations and daily living effect our Qi.

Beyond Qigong breaths, movements, and way of being we can increase the quantity and quality of Qi with other actions, specifically related to our connections in nature: gaze at the sunset or sunrise – breathe the breath of trees – be near a large body of water – get your feet into the bare earth – sand, dirt, grass!

As you practice, return at times to a breathing sequence, including deep abdominal breath-fire breath-Qi belt breath-fire breath-kidney breath-fire breath-return to deep abdominal breath.

Breathe! Stretch! – open those rivers (energetic pathways) and fill the organs (reservoirs) with balanced, renewed, vital, calming, healing Qi. Movements for Autumn include, “Separating Heaven & Earth”, “Buddha Holds up the Earth”, and our “Lion, Tiger, Bear” flows. Also, the middle Tan Tien flow (fingers to center of chest (lungs) & flow up and out). It’s always nice to close with “bringing down the sky” for centering and balance.

— Be Happy. Be well. Be full of peaceful, vibrant Qi.     ♡ Denise (denise.qigong@gmail.com)