As the sweltering heat of a Tennessee summer gives way to the cool breezes of autumn, we can see and feel nature’s transformation. The fall season dances with colors and bountiful harvests.
I love going to the farmer’s markets this time of year with their variety of pumpkins, squashes, and cider choices, all from local vendors sharing their abundance.
The transition has begun. It is visible and also physical. You see the trees shedding leaves, and you may feel your body acting differently.
Macrobiotics is a holistic approach to life that emphasizes balance, harmony, and an interconnectedness of all things. It’s not just about what you eat but also how you live, think, and relate to the world around you. This lifestyle teaches awareness and sensitivity to all change.
The fall season represents the transition from the active energy of summer, considered more yang energy, to the more passive energy of winter, considered yin. Understanding this change can help you make choices that align with the natural rhythm of the season.
The large intestine and lungs are stimulated this time of year. These organ systems need to regenerate. It is to our benefit to follow nature’s example, and slow down, become reflective, conserve energy, and let go. In regards to nourishment, incorporating more warming and grounding foods, such as root vegetables, grains (pre-soaked), and legumes (pre-soaked), makes for easier digestibility. These foods counteract the cooling and expansive effects of summer foods.
Fall encourages the consumption of warm, nourishing, and comforting foods. Soups, stews, and roasted vegetables come to mind. Enjoying fruits such as apples and pears, along with the seasonal vegetables that are naturally available this time of year, can help you connect with the energy of the season and support your overall well-being. These foods provide essential nutrients and help keep the body grounded and balanced as the weather cools.
Letting go- just as the trees shed their leaves, fall is a season of letting go emotionally. It is time to release what no longer serves you, whether it is unhealthy habits, allowing unhealthy situations to continue just because it is comfortable, negative emotions, or clutter in your life. As you declutter your physical space and mental space, you create room for personal growth and renewal.
Mindfulness and reflection means taking time to assess your goals, values, priorities, and path in life. Without shame or blame, consider how you can align your life with the changing energies of fall and foster inner peace, harmony, and well-being. Sometimes, it only takes a few adjustments to create a ripple effect.
In this month’s Seasonal Cooking Class, I will be discussing the importance of supporting the large intestine and lungs, as the two gatekeepers to our overall health. These two organ systems determine our immunity status as well as our emotional status, as we prepare for winter.
Join us on Saturday, October 21st for a delicious fall meal to warm your belly and nurture your soul.
-Virginia
