The expanse and warmth we can feel in the season of Summer can give us a more loose concept of time, so when the calendar rolls around to September, we are often pressed to jump back into the routines and plans and the transition can be overwhelming for many. As we experience the last surges of heat before Earth cools herself for the Fall, we too are cooling-off from the thrills of summertime. While some folks are lamenting the loss of light, fun and freedom, others can feel exhilarated by the return of structure and order that the autumn promises.

Wherever you are in the transition, the teachings and practices of Chinese Medicine have much to offer a body, mind and spirit in the midst of change. In preparation for the season of Autumn, we are starting to feel the weight of excess accumulation in the form of mental and physical clutter. In additional to coming in for a seasonally regulating treatment, try some of the following to help ease the transition from Late Summer to Fall:

  • Clutter busting. Sometimes it’s letting go of a job, relationship or idea, and other times, we just crank the tunes and clean out a closet. Either way, finding ways to let go of things that no longer serve us will prepare us well to move into the coming season with more ease. Don’t overwhelm yourself with projects that are too big, just tackle little bits at a time and enjoy the levity that follows. 
  • Connect to what inspires you. This may sound trite, but our brains respond much more to approaching something we like than to avoiding things we don’t like. So go ahead and read that quote or visit that landscape that reminds you of who you are or why you are here. 
  • Breathing practices, like the one featured below, are awesome ways to connect to the literal inspiration we feel in our bodies. To enhance breathing practices, add yummy smells like the essential oils of eucalyptus, lemon and/or frankincense. 
  • Dress on the warmer side and bring a light sweater or shawl for the evening and early mornings. An immune system is typically happier in a warm, prepared body, so with temperature fluctuations, be prepared for a little cooler weather, and focus on protecting the neck and throat areas especially.
  • Start to wean off of “cold” foods like ice cream, iced drinks, and raw salads. These foods are easier to digest when the weather is warm, and in order to prepare the body for colder weather, we can start feeding it warmer foods. 

The Breath of the Seasons*

A wonderful way to support ourselves in transition, is to utilize a breath practice. You will notice, if you pay attention, that the breath follows the same arc of the seasons. Using your imagination you can make this breath dimensional and dynamic:

  • Inhale and imagine Spring rising up in front you 
  • Hold the breath and let Summer ripen above you
  • Notice the urge to release as the fullness becomes heavy in Late Summer, back behind your head
  • Exhale and let Autumn descend back behind you
  • Pause and be empty for Winter, underneath you

One of the wonderful things about using our breath this way is that it puts us back in the center of ourselves – participating with the changing world around us instead of being tossed about and trying to keep up or control it. You can practice the Breath of the Season several times until the imagery and sequence feel comfortable to you. Once you are familiar with the practice, try weaving it into little moments in your life, like waking up in the morning, waiting at a traffic light, the moment of being alone again after spending time with others or getting off the phone, or dropping your kiddo off at the bus stop. 

*A seasonal breathing practice, adapted from the teachings of Nevine Michaan, Founder of Katonah Yoga ™, a Daoist System of Yoga.