The Blessings of Autumn

Here in Dutchess County the leaves are beginning to change color in earnest as we move deeper into Autumn. It’s a mixed blessing: the mosquitos will be gone soon, but so will the long, bright days. Nature is guiding us to let go, one of Autumn’s most powerful lessons. Sometimes that’s very hard to do. In fact, Chinese poetry about autumn is filled with weeping and sadness!  Qigong teaches us to allow sadness to move through us, and to use our “Qi-tools” to transform it into clarity, courage, and inspiration. It’s a good way to manage sadness, depression, and even grief. Rather than shutting it out or running away from it we learn to respect, harness, and then transform that energy into something less painful. Eventually, the sadness doesn’t feel so overwhelming. It’s a season---it will change. We learn to follow the flow, knowing it can lead to a stronger, healthier place.