Autumn Seasonal Wisdom
“Autumn Wisdom, Food principals & Practices”
Autumn is a time when we reflect and gather our energy inward. The change of seasons, the colder weather and the greater length of darkness are all indicators for us to slow down, rug up and prioritise our energy on the things which are most important. Indoor activities, hearty slow cooked meals (soups, casseroles and stews) and regular self care are the keys to recharging our batteries. If you are finding this seasonal transition difficult after the more social and indulgent months of Summer and early Autumn- creating a daily meditation & breathing practice will help harness your energy, slow your mind down and navigate your attention back to your inner world.
“Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop” ~ Ovid
Emotionally – Autumn is a powerful time for us to draw our attention to our Lungs and Large Intestine, this occurs metaphorically and physically. Our lungs ‘breathe in’ and our large intestines ‘let go’. Any unresolved grief or sadness may surface in Autumn for us to acknowledge, feel and release that which has been hidden or avoided. If you experience resistance during the ‘breathing in’ or the ‘letting go”, allow that to be there whilst very gently continuing to just “be with yourself in your experience”. An opportunity for you exists here, to let go of and accept what no longer serves, whilst initiating a new approach into your way of being that will assist you to feel greater balance, rest and nourishment.
“Each morning we are born again, what we do today matters most” ~ Buddha
Spiritually – Autumn is a time of purification and of connecting deeply to ourselves via our breath. Our breath is a great blessing and assists us regulate our body, mind, spirit and emotions. Breathe in and accept all that is present within you, breathe out and surrender all that you are holding onto. Here in lies an opportunity to sew a new harvest or strengthen an existing one. Reflect on what ‘seeds’ you are harvesting in your life? Are they supporting your greater good? or are they entangled with fear or habit? By being clear on what you are energetically planting, you can create new outcomes. Autumn is a wonderful time for reflection and prioritising your soul’s needs.
“When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy” ~ Rumi
Physically – During Autumn we support our body’s energy by breathing deeply, eating nourishing and warming meals and by having early nights. Being in bed by 10pm gives all our organs a chance to regenerate. Giving yourself the gift of regular deep sleep accelerates your immunity and restores your energy & healing ability, balancing your mood and hormonal systems. Staying rugged up, kidneys and feet covered, aromatic infused baths & protecting your necks from the wind will limit your exposure to colds and keep your lungs feeling happy. Including yoga postures to strengthen your immunity and breathing practices to generate lung energy (qi) will enhance your day to day energy levels.
Foods to support lungs & immunity include: ginger, garlic, onion, leeks, radish, daikon, horseradish, turnip, swede, cauliflower, potato, goats cheese, tahini, white sesame seeds, lotus seeds, white fungus, watercress, lemons, grapefruit, limes, olives, pickled foods, sauerkraut, shitake mushroom, cabbage, pepper, quinoa, oats, millet,chia seeds, miso soup, apples & pears, lotus tea, pinenuts, quince, artichokes, pesto, fresh herbs, stewed pears & apples w honey & cinnamon, ginger & cinnamon tea, tumeric, nutmeg, cardamon, star anise, basil, marjoram, lemongrass, fennel, coriander, thyme, licorice root, rosemary, root vegetables, bone broths, chicken noodle soup, beef stew, real chai tea,
Cooking methods during Autumn include: soups, stews, broths, casseroles, bakes, congees, porridge, warm drinks & warm food. Avoid cold beverages & cold food!
Autumn allows real creativity and nourishing through your food. Immersing yourself in the cooking process, ingesting the fragrance of the fresh or dried herbs and hearty meals will create the alchemy your body needs to feel sustenance and vitality.
