Autumn is the perfect time to clear out, tidy up, and work on letting go of what no longer nourishes us physically, mentally, emotionally, and energetically.
In Chinese medicine, autumn is associated with the metal element, represented by our lung and large intestine as an organ pair. Among other things, these carry heavier emotions such as melancholy, sadness, grief, and depression. The energy in autumn slowly retracts and turns inward, and in autumn, it is largely about letting go of what should not be carried forward on multiple levels. But it can be quite a process.
You can read more about autumn's energy and the metal element (lung-large intestine) in my book The Energy of the 5 Seasons.
Below you will find excerpts from the book and also an exercise from the Seasonal Diary that can be used as a tool throughout the year. You can find both books in the webshop HERE.
LETTING GO OF WHAT NO LONGER NOURISHES
Both the lung and large intestine are associated with giving off, releasing, giving, and letting go. Letting go of what no longer benefits us. What does not nourish, but perhaps instead drains us. Depending on our responsibilities and burdens in life, it is, of course, relative what we feel we dare and can let go of, even if it may drain us. Perhaps you can spend some time becoming aware of whether there is anything you feel you "should" let go of. Something you need to let go of. And also something you don't want to let go of or perhaps even are afraid to let go of, and therefore hold on to. The metal element linked to the lung-large intestine also carries feelings of melancholy and grief. The fear of losing and letting go of the familiar.
LETTING GO
In the world we live in, where everything is now controlled and managed in every conceivable way – where we even control and manage nature, the oceans, and animals (or try to) – it is incredibly difficult to learn the principle of letting go. We live in a control society, where everything around us is controlled or sought to be controlled. It is difficult to learn to let go in a world where everything is measured and weighed, monitored and regulated. So it may not be from societal structures that we should seek inspiration to learn to let go. Nevertheless, it is precisely for this reason that it is incredibly important for us as individuals to learn to let go. Even if it is difficult. It is difficult to let go and venture into the unfamiliar and uncertain that can arise when we let go of the customary and known. But precisely because of this, it is there that we will find the greatest learning and gift. When we let go of the fear of doing something different. When we step forward with our unique expression.
By letting go, we can also open up to new opportunities and experiences that would otherwise be unknown and hidden from us if we remain in the certain and comfortable. Letting go gives us a very special opportunity for change and growth.
Only the ego needs control. Deep down, you might feel how the soul is amused by the continuous attempts to maintain control.
The principle of letting go can also be a means to rediscover our human sides and our connection to nature, which we so often try to tame and control. I don't know about you, but my lawn is perfectly manicured for just under 4 days. A week after I've mowed it, everything starts to grow again and needs another mowing and keeping down. Perhaps we need to learn humility again towards the things we cannot control, so we can find peace in the present, instead of constantly worrying about and planning the future or regretting or reflecting on the past. Perhaps we should just pause and ask ourselves: "Is it really that important?".
CREATE SPACE FOR THE NEW
Imagine for a moment that you are a computer with a (consciously!) limited storage space of 250 GB. When the space is full, you have to delete something to make room for new. What you choose to "store" is up to you, but the most optimal would be to focus on what benefits you. What gives you energy and lifts you.
If you cling to the past, it will be difficult to create a different future. This applies not only to thoughts, but also to habits, patterns of behavior, and even your outlook on life. If all your thoughts revolve around negativity, there will be no room for all the positive. What you focus on is also what you see.
We therefore have to let go of what does not benefit us to make room for what will move us forward. So make it clear to yourself what you want to fill your "space" with and try to let go of what pulls you in other directions. Let go of what no longer nourishes you.
CLEAR OUT
Autumn can be a good time to take stock and consider if there is anything that needs to be let go of. Perhaps you can start by clearing out your closets. The energy of autumn is ideal for this. Even if we might not feel like it.
Is there anything you haven't used in the last couple of years? Do you need 20 pairs of pants? Only you know what your needs are, but feel if there's anything you're ready to let go of. If there's anything that needs to move on, so you can get some breathing room in your closets again.
Often, this process will also create space on the inner planes and perhaps kickstart other processes. Maybe you'll get a taste for it and want to clear out on more fronts.
EFT
One of my absolute favorite techniques in autumn is EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique. It's an exercise I include in all my seasonal courses because it's so important and effective in helping us release emotions. When we're ready to release them, of course. You can find my simple guide to the exercise completely free in my blog post HERE and I will also share it as a video with you HERE. The video exercise is available until December 15, 2025.
It's hard to pour water into an already full glass. When we let go of something, we make room for something new, which will naturally find its way. It can feel unsettling or even empty, but new things will surely find their way.
If you wish to delve deeper into the energy of autumn, you can read much more in The Energy of the 5 Seasons – and continue working with exercises and reflection in My 5 Seasons of Energy – The Seasonal Diary.
You can find both books in my webshop HERE. 🌿