A natural pause: Simple ways to support yourself this autumn

Sara Hunt

9/16/20262 min read

In Five Element Acupuncture autumn is associated with the Metal element. As the heat of summer is left behind and the days become shorter, nature is visibly preparing for winter. Leaves fall from the trees, plants die back, and seeds fall to the earth, ready to lie in wait for spring.

This is reflected in some of the themes associated with Metal. Autumn is a time to let go of what no longer serves us, recognise what is valuable and make space for what is needed next.

This year I have taken 'letting go' quite literally and am trying to clear my house of the million and one things we seem to have accumulated over the last 12 months, but you don't have to use autumn to make big changes.

What might an autumn pause look like?

You might use the energy to clear out your workspace, start a new project or do some intentional journalling to reflect on your year and decide what you'd like to give more of your attention to over the coming months.

Clear something out

If you have physical energy you might find it satisfying to clear out a cupboard, your workspace, or an area in your garden. Or if you have some mental energy to spare, you could try clearing your inbox, or a thought or feeling you've been holding onto that you no longer need.

Take time to reflect

People often think January is a good time to reflect on the year, but I disagree. I find I have more energy available in autumn to reflect on what's gone well and think about what could do with some attention. It can be helpful to sit down with a pen and paper and try to answer some of these questions.

What has been taking up my time and energy?
What still feels important?
Is there something I've been putting off that I'd like to return to?

Make space for what you enjoy

The autumnal pause has helped me realise I want to spend more time in the garden. I love gardening, and somehow having less clutter in the house has given me more time to think about gardening, think being the operative word! One year I grew marigolds from seed, which filled me with pride and joy, but the last few years have felt too busy to garden. I have some shop-bought marigolds growing in the garden at the moment, and the opportunity to pause has reminded me of that joy from a few summers ago.

All of this is to say that this autumn, I haven't necessarily discovered anything new about myself. I've just found a little more space to remember something that brings me joy.

I love gardening. I loved growing those marigolds from seed, and I'd like to make more time for it again. So now I've shared it with all of you, I shall have to do something about our garden. Many of you will see it so there is no hiding!

Photo by Steppeland - Lutgarde De Brouwer on Unsplash

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