09/22/2025
Mornin!
marks the Autumn equinox, the transition between summer and autumn here in the Northern Hemisphere. I find myself on my farm in the mountains of Virginia, wrapped in a sweater as the morning mist curls around the fields. Thereās a gentle hush settling over everythingāa slow quieting that feels both peaceful and a welcome change from the hot summer. The bees are still busy, darting from goldenrod to the last of the wildflowers, collecting their final harvest before the cold sets in. Their energy is a mix of urgency and calm, like they know time is short but theyāre savoring every moment.
I watch the hummingbirds, knowing theyāll soon be gone, carried south by the first chill in the air. Itās a season that nudges me toward reflection, asking what Iām ready to let go of and what I want to carry forward. Yet, thereās movement tooāa gentle push to finish what summer started, to create new rituals that fit the rhythm of autumn. Have you ever felt that tug between slowing down and tying up loose ends? Thatās the magic of this time, and Iām here for every golden, humming moment of it.
The autumn equinox is that rare, beautiful moment when day and night are perfectly balanced. Itās natureās way of whispering, āTake a breath. Find your center.ā As the world shifts, itās the perfect invitation to check in with your own sense of balance. Two time-honored healing systemsāTraditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedaāoffer us practical, heartfelt ways to work with autumnās energy, rather than against it. And honestly, who couldnāt use a little more ease and grace right now?
The Metal Element: Autumnās Gift from Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, autumn belongs to the Metal elementāa time of harvest, reflection, and, most importantly, letting go. Just as trees release their leaves, weāre encouraged to examine what we need to release in our own lives. Whatās weighing you down? Whatās ready to be set free?
Metal teaches us about structure and boundaries. Itās the framework that holds everything together, like the skeleton in our body. This season asks us to strengthen our personal boundaries and create supportive structures in our daily lives. The lungs and large intestine are Metalās organs, both masters of taking in what serves us and releasing what doesnāt. Autumn is natureās reminder that letting go isnāt lossāitās preparation for new growth. And letās not forget: Metal energy appreciates precision, quality, and beauty. This is the perfect time to declutter your space and focus on what truly matters.
Simple Metal Element Practices
Breathe Deeply: Take five conscious breaths each morning, focusing on both the inhale and the long, releasing exhale.
Organize One Space: Choose a drawer, closet, or corner and mindfully organize it, keeping only what brings value.
Practice Gratitude: Each evening, acknowledge three things youāre grateful for from your day.