The Times they are A-Changing, was the title of a song by Bob Dylan in 1963. It spoke about a time of change in the lives and politics of people during the 1960’s. Change can be exciting but it can also be difficult and can lead to uncertainty about what the future may hold.

It is Spring in the Northern Hemisphere and Autumn here in the Southern Hemisphere, a time of change for all of us. As the emerging Spring days warm the soil, plants and animals begin to come out of their hibernation. Whereas in Autumn, a slowing down of the seasons begins, as leaves start to fall and nature prepares to rest.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, autumn is linked to the metal element. In the body, this manifests as minerals and trace elements that are essential for the maintenance of our health and life. As the leaves and fruits of the trees fall to the ground, they return nutrients and minerals to the earth for future growth. Empty trees and fields create space and allow room to breathe.

The Metal element is also associated with the Lungs and Large intestine, allowing us to grieve if we need to for what has gone before, breathe more easily as we slow down, and assimilate what we need to be able to move forwards. It is a time of change, a time of slowing down and looking within. A time of letting go so that new things can burst forth and grow.

It can also be a time of transition, as the days get shorter and we tend to hibernate more indoors. Transition is a period of change, a moving onwards, or towards another goal or purpose in life. It means you may need to stop and reassess where you are going, or completely change your focus. What better time to reassess than we have begun to slow down.

I commenced this year at a bit of a standstill. I was still seeing my lovely reflexology clients, but had no idea what I wanted to do with my creativity. I felt stuck and unmotivated and unsure of how to move forwards. I realised that this was a time of transition for me.

At first I tried to fight it and force myself to become motivated, but this only led to frustration. So I took some time out, had long walks in nature and gave myself time to breathe. Creating space opens our minds to new opportunities and allows our imaginations to flourish.

Always being busy doesn’t serve anyone. We become tired, exhausted and resentful and end up running around in circles. Nothing productive is achieved. What if instead, we stopped and allowed the changes to happen? What if we allowed this period of transition to run its course?

The times they are a-changing and if allow ourselves to welcome these changes we can move forwards more enthusiastically and creatively. Change isn’t easy but it is a part of life. It is how we grow. Mother Nature knows this. The trees do not fight to hold on to their leaves, flowers do not resist the shedding of their blossoms and animals don’t fight the need to rest.

Perhaps we can do the same. Start to slow down and give yourself space. Don’t always feel as if you need to be ‘doing’ something all the time. Rest, read, have time in nature and nourish your body and soul, just as Mother Nature intended us to.

With warmest wishes,

Judy xxx

Disclaimer: Please note that all information in this article is the opinion of the author and obtained through her research and knowledge and the above references. It is not meant to replace medical advice and a medical opinion should always be obtained for any health condition.

References: ‘The Way of the Five Seasons’ by John Kirkwood. Photo by Autumn Mott Rodeheaver on Unsplash.