November is the month that brings our attention to being grateful.
We are still in the midst of harvest season and nature’s seasonal change. We’ve had a beautiful autumn here in Nashville, which has filled my eyes and my mind with wonderful colors. I have been nurtured by all the fall vegetables, and my heart is full of appreciation.
However, for many, this is a difficult season emotionally.
It begins with the days being shorter, with longer hours in the dark. Activities are moved inside, so there is less contact with nature and the healing property of touching the ground or being among the trees. All this can create a feeling of isolation and loneliness or feelings of being down or even depressed.
One more component that adds to a change in feelings this time of year is the organ systems that get rejuvenated by fall. According to Chinese medicine, the large intestine and lungs are motivated to move toward homeostasis during the fall season. This process creates changes that are not always pleasant, such as detoxing. As the lungs and large intestine adjust, these adjustments may manifest as digestion and elimination changes, triggering inflammation, pain, heightened emotions, etc. Through macrobiotic studies, we learn that the organ systems hold onto our emotions. Energetically, the lungs harbor the emotions of joy or depression, and the large intestines harbor our emotional temperature. Are you feeling sad or lonely? Are you triggered easily, or can you stand back and reset before you react?
In the cooking class this Saturday, I will address the influence of not only how the effects of the weather create physical changes, but also which foods will help support an easy transition, so that extremes are avoided.
The power of food is a serious thing. The more you learn how to do self-care through self-education, the more you can be your health manager instead of your disease manager.
Review the class offerings this month and invest in your self-care.
Come join us this Saturday, the 12th, and enjoy a vegan-macrobiotic thanksgiving meal and embrace the tips and suggestions I will give you to help you flow through autumn.
~Virginia
