If only it were easy to let go, just like the trees...

The trees have all shed their leaves as I write these lines… The brilliant, breathtaking colors have been replaced by bare branches. And though there can be a certain sadness in this, the trees can also show us how beautiful letting go can be.

Interestingly, in Chinese medicine the emotion linked to autumn is grief or sadness; tuning into its wisdom can help us let go, and create space for the new. Autumn can also bring greater clarity of vision, helping us discern which good things we choose to nourish, and giving us the opportunity to decide which habits of the body, mind and spirit we'd like to shed, which “baggage” we’d like to let go of before winter, so that we're not weighed down, not bringing it with us into springtime, instead making space for newness — new energy, inspiration and opportunities.

​Letting go also helps us receive; think of your own lungs, and how it would be impossible to take in new, life-giving oxygen (and Divine inspiration) if we didn’t first exhale. I am continuously amazed by the wisdom of the ancient eastern medicine, pairing the organ of inspiration (the lung) with the organ of elimination (the large intestine)—both, how perfect!—associated with autumn.
Clearing away clutter and pain, and letting go, can be really tough, though it seems effortless when we look at nature, and the trees. How, then, do we do this shedding, making space for all that is in store for us? It’s been interesting to go deeper into these themes in my weekly Qi Gong class, and through bodywork, energy medicine, coaching, EFT – often within the same session. I’m finding more and more that this integrative approach is what best serves you, my dear clients.
Is there something old, or painfully persistent, that you are ready to let go of, but feel stuck, not quite sure how, or where to begin? Ready to make space for the new?

It’s easy to say “Just practice Letting Go”… And so much harder to do.

Sometimes we need to give space for our stuck-ness. To give it permission to be, before we can release and move on.

And sometimes, with curiosity as a doorway, all we need is some guidance, a few simple tools, and a coach to keep us on track, to finally make a shift.

​It's finally here! With its special energy. The seeds are finally sprouting, everything is coming alive, abundant, bursting with vitality, bright colors, intoxicating fragrances.

Tuning into the energy of the season and harnessing its gifts can contribute to our personal empowerment, helping us realize our visions, passions and goals through positive, creative action. The most Yang time of year, associated with the Fire element and with the Heart, Summer can also help us connect with the fire in our hearts, and with our innate joy, allowing us to experience greater love and a deeper sense of connection.

These are some of the positive aspects of Summer and the Fire element… But what happens if we are out of balance? Action can also be taken from a less-than-positive place – from old sadness, grief or pain. This is a good time to tend to the equilibrium of the heart, "composting" old emotions. On a physical level, we tend to be much more active during this season; but excess Yang — too much busyness — can also lead to stress and depletion. It is important to nurture our Yin aspects as well, finding balance and harmony so that we can embrace the energy of Summer in health and happiness.
​
Summer Qi Gong
Practicing Qi Gong through the summer months is an extremely effective way to

• tune into the wisdom and joyful energy of Summer, finding balance and harmony as we harness its powers;
• awaken our potential! And bring new creations to fruition;
• transform old emotions;
• enhance our overall well-being — physical, emotional and mental