Qigong in Autumn
According to the Traditional Chinese Calendar, which is intricately linked to Daoist cosmology, autumn begins on August 7. This day marks the solar term known as the “Beginning of Autumn.” Unlike a sudden end to summer, this date signifies a symbolic turning point. It indicates that the peak of outward yang energy has passed, making way for the cooler, inward-moving energy that indicates winter is around the corner.
This season embodies a transition characterized by waning yang and increasing yin. This encourages us to slow down and turn inward as we prepare for the colder months ahead.
Qigong and Daoism
The Daoist worldview reflects the never ending cycle of yin and yang. This provides a framework for understanding seasonal transitions. The yin-yang symbol illustrates the ever-changing harmony and balance inherent in nature and the cosmos. By following Daoist philosophy, we enrich our understanding of how to live in sync with the seasons. This philosophy strongly influences qigong practices because Daoist principles promote a deeper connection to nature and self.
Revealing our Internal Landscape
As autumn unfolds, it is essential to focus on introspection and the release of what no longer serves us. Paying attention to the transitions in nature can guide this process. Just as trees shed their summer leaves and seeds return to the earth, we can embrace this season to let go of outdated habits and thoughts. These acts of letting go increase our receptivity and capacity for new perspectives. This helps to reveal what is most precious in our lives.
As our internal landscape opens up we can more easily live in the present instead of being ruled by past or future thoughts and frames of reference. Releasing outmoded ways of perceiving life also creates more space for following our curiosity which opens us to unlimited possibilities for our life.
Harmonizing
In the context of the Five Phase Theory, there are several attributes that correspond to autumn, including the lung organ, the color white, the metal element, and the emotion of grief. Grief is often viewed as a challenging or negative emotion.
Grief over loss and separation is a fundamental part of being human. During autumn, we can experience grief while simultaneously harmonizing and resolving it with courage and inner strength. The symbolism of the metal element offers us a chance to discover profound inner strength, similar to mining precious gold from deep within the earth.
“Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.”
– Jim Bishop
Decluttering
As we go into autumn, it is advantageous to embrace Feng Shui principles that help balance and support us during seasonal changes. This period presents an auspicious opportunity to declutter our surroundings and honor the elements of the season.
Just as our living spaces benefit from decluttering, our minds and hearts can benefit as well. This time of year is ideal for sweeping out fear, anger, prejudice, envy and resentment. Releasing these old thought patterns and habits can be liberating and healing.
Nourishment
Autumn is also a time of harvest, where we can maintain and enhance our qi by consuming locally grown foods that ripen during this season. Foods such as pumpkins, winter squash, root vegetables, kidney beans, apples, pears, persimmons and pomegranates are all beneficial. Incorporating warming spices like honey, cinnamon, and ginger can further support our internal warmth. As autumn progresses, it becomes important to transition away from raw salads and embrace warm dishes that nourish our inner fire.
Embracing Autumn’s Energy
With the arrival of autumn comes a significant shift in yin and yang energy. We can honor and embrace this change by maintaining our qigong practice, decluttering our physical, emotional and mental spaces, and nourishing ourselves with warm, wholesome foods.
Several qigong practices can aid in harmonizing with autumn, particularly those that strengthen our immune systems such as the Qigong Breathing Exercises. Crane Neck, Bend the Body to Open the Spine, and Hip Rotations from the Zhineng Qigong Body Mind Method are also very supportive.
These mindful actions empower us to remain balanced and harmonized with the season, allowing us to thrive during this transformative time. By embracing the essence of autumn, we not only prepare ourselves for the winter ahead but also cultivate a deeper connection to the cycles of nature and our own inner landscape.
