The Metal Element.
Season: Autumn
Direction: West
Emotion: Grief, Sorrow
Yin Organ Systems: Lung
Yang Organ System: Large Intestine
Colour: White
Climate: Dryness
Taste: Pungent
Sound: Weeping
The Metal Personality
Here is a great 10 minute video about the Metal Personality and Five Elements
Perfectionism, boundaries, self worth, transformation..
Playlist from the Five Elements Series
Lucia’s Metal Element Spray
Cypress. Bergamot. Eucalyptus, Wild Orange, Litsea.
To learn more about essential oils, you can download a free resource from Lucia here.
Quotes from the Metal Element Workshop
Spending time in the valley – recovering from rock bottom – Glennon Doyle
”We want to be on the mountaintops, but we’re not called to be victorious. We’re called to be wise, strong and kind. We are admired on the mountaintops, but we are beloved in the valleys.
All the magic is in the space between mountains, where we have to unbecome everything we thought we were and start from scratch. This is hard to do, because when pain comes in the form of uncertainty, our instinct is to scramble out of it, to grab blindly for the familiar.
But when we rush out of the valley, we miss gathering all the wisdom, strength and kindness we need for the next climb. We have to learn how to sit by the river and be still enough to claim its gifts.”
The Glennon Doyle grocery store rock bottom story: Read the full blog here
And her podcast is ‘We can do hard things’ Glennon Doyle.
The Guest House –
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
Still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
It’s the hard things that Break – C. JoyBell C
“It’s the hard things that break; soft things don’t break. You can waste so many years of your life trying to become something hard in order not to break; but it’s the soft things that can’t break! The hard things are the ones that shatter into a million pieces”
Know Who You Are – Kristin Armstrong
Do the things you used to talk about doing, but never did.
Know when to let go and when to hold on tight. Stop rushing.
Don’t be intimidated to say it like it is. Stop apologising all the time.
Learn to say no so your yes has some oomph.
Spend time the with the friends who lift you up and cut loose the ones who bring you down.
Stop giving your power away. Be more concerned with being interested than being interesting.
Be old enough to appreciate your freedom and young enough to enjoy it.
Finally know who you are.
John O’Donohoe – A Blessing – For busy-ness
When the rhythm of the heart becomes hectic,
Time takes on the strain until it breaks;
Then all the unattended stress falls in
On the mind like an endless, increasing weight.
The light in the mind becomes dim.
Things you could take in your stride before
Now become laborsome events of will.
Weariness invades your spirit.
Gravity begins falling inside you,
Dragging down every bone.
The tide you never valued has gone out.
And you are marooned on unsure ground.
Something within you has closed down;
And you cannot push yourself back to life.
You have been forced to enter empty time.
The desire that drove you has relinquished.
There is nothing else to do now but rest And patiently learn to receive the self
You have forsaken in the race of days.
At first your thinking will darken
And sadness take over like listless weather.
The flow of unwept tears will frighten you.
You have travelled too fast over false ground;
Now your soul has come to take you back.
Take refuge in your senses, open up
To all the small miracles you rushed through.
Become inclined to watch the way of rain
When it falls slow and free.
Imitate the habit of twilight,
Taking time to open the well of color
That fostered the brightness of day.
Draw alongside the silence of stone
Until its calmness can claim you.
Be excessively gentle with yourself.
Stay clear of those vexed in spirit.
Learn to linger around someone of ease
Who feels they have all the time in the world.
Gradually, you will return to yourself
Having learned a new respect for your heart
And the joy that dwells far within slow time.
All things Break – LR Knost
“Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world. All things break. And all things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention. So go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.
Lifestyle Tips for Autumn (Metal)
courtesy of Lucia O’Byrne – Aspire Health
To support the health of the Lungs and Large Intestine during Autumn, try practicing the following tips:
Stay Hydrated
As we start the descent in to winter, dryness becomes a factor for both Lung and Large Intestine health. Stay hydrated and maintain moisture in the body by drinking adequate amounts of water and eat hydrating foods such as soups and stews. Staying adequately hydrated helps to stave off pathogens and bacteria, as well as prevent constipation and promote healthy Large Intestine function.
Practice Good Skincare
Both the Lungs and Large Intestine are connected to the skin. Skin problems may worsen or manifest during the fall season, so it’s advisable to pay more attention to skincare during this time. Dry brushing is very helpful this time of year.
Consider Diet and Nutrition
Nourishing foods associated with the Lungs and Metal element include pears, apples, white mushrooms, radishes, and foods rich in white or light-coloured pigments. Avoid excessive cold or raw foods and instead eat more warm, cooked dishes. For the Large Intestine, try eating foods high in fibre like grains, legumes, and vegetables.
Engage in Exercise and Breathing
Engaging in exercises that emphasise deep breathing, such as yoga, qigong or tai chi, can be especially beneficial during the fall season. These practices help to strengthen Lung Qi and maintain respiratory health.
Reduce Stress
Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction can benefit the Large Intestine and overall digestive health during the Autumn season. Managing stress can also help prevent digestive imbalances. Activities that help promote relaxation include acupuncture, massage, meditation and a walk in nature.
It’s important to remember that Traditional Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach to health, considering not only the physical but also the emotional and environmental aspects of an individual’s well-being. If you have specific concerns or health issues related to the organs or emotions of Autumn, please get in touch for more personalised guidance and treatment.
Joining of the Valleys – Large Intestine 4
