“To everything there is a season….” We are deep into autumn now. In Chinese medicine this is the season of letting go. Most of the brilliant leaves have fallen off the trees. Even in the Northwest things are starting to look a bit barren. What was a bright splash of their last glory is now naked tree limbs or plants withdrawing into the ground.
Just like the trees and plants letting go of their leaves and no longer needed parts and energy we must take a look at what we no longer need. What does not provide us with strength, helps up fulfill our purpose or drains us although we don’t want to accept that?
Each season or phase of life has an emotion. In the Fall the emotion is Grief. We may feel a sense of loss at this time of year. Think of how you may be more dow
n, depressed as the days grow shorter. We don’t want to stay inside, we want to be energized by the sun. We grieve the loss of daylight, activity and, perhaps, the moving away of people we enjoy and love.
In this season we are drawn towards introspection. Daily there is as onslaught of negativity directed at our bodies and minds. This needs to be cleaned out – let go of the garbage. There’s more of it than you think. We live in a materialistic society, though you may try to not actively participate on a large scale. It still has influence over how you think and behave.
Now take time to look inside yourself. What would be best to release? How were you raised and what influences are there that you could let go of? Are you living your agenda or someone else’s agenda for you?
As you prepare to move deeper into your cave for the winter it is always wise to clean it out first. Explore all the ’things’ you have gathered this spring and summer. How much fun were they? Do you need to keep them? It has been fun having it around but does it really serve the same purpose? What is that purpose? Perhaps this is the time to let go in gratitude, and keep all the wonderful memories they bring. Let someone else experience the joy you felt having this item. Question it all.
If you are afraid you will offend someone by saying good-bye or spending less time with them understand that this is the season for less activity. More time for looking inward, being quieter. Talk with them and dive into what they value and discuss how it may not support you and your values any longer.
Metal is about value and purpose. Are you strong in yours? Take this time to celebrate what is great about you. Flaunt it a bit. Bring some light and bling into your life and these dark days. Remind yourself of your uniqueness and be grateful for it. Accept praise and let it nourish you.
Fall is the time to strengthen your Metal. Bring in inspiration and let go of the unneeded.
Activities 
to nourish your Metal:
Clean your desk, dining room table or a closet
Make a list of your strengths. Look at it and breathe in gratitude for what you can do and what you have accomplished. Let go of your self-sabotage.
Be grateful for all you have, what you have had and all you are.
Find time for quiet and meditate on all this.
Enjoy this season. Know that you are not alone in the challenges it brings. Keep your best assets – friends, treasures – near for support as you let go.