Autumn Qi Chats | Week 1
When the season changes, so do you
This week we discuss how to make big edits in your life. It’s time to do some “Autumn Cleaning” in your life!
HARMONIZE WITH THE QI OF AUTUMN
In the Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen, Chapter 2, the Yellow Emperor advises: “In Autumn, one should go to bed early and rise early with the crowing of the rooster. Keep the mind calm and peaceful to soften the effects of Autumn... this is the way to harmonize with the Qi of Autumn.”
Autumn marks the transition when the vibrant Yang energy of summer begins to recede. Leaves fall, daylight diminishes, and nature conserves its energy in preparation for winter. Within the body, this seasonal shift corresponds to the Lung system, which governs:
Breath and the movement of Qi
The skin and Wei Qi (immune defense)
Grief and the Corporeal Soul (Po)
Autumn is not a season for intense or heat-building exercise. Instead, Qigong, movement, and lifestyle practices should become gentler, more contemplative, and focused on preserving Qi rather than depleting it.
This seasonal wisdom is especially meaningful as we age. The Lung system’s strength is crucial to how effectively we manage our Qi over time. Yet modern life often pulls us away from these natural rhythms, challenging our ability to slow down and adjust.
Questions to consider:
Can we adapt our daily rhythms against cultural pressure to remain always active?
Are we willing to refine our habits, letting go of what no longer serves us?
Can we tolerate the boredom that sometimes accompanies stillness?
Ignoring these shifts risks accelerating burnout, weakening immunity, and hastening aging. By slowing down and embracing the quiet reflections of Autumn, we cultivate deeper wisdom and resilience for the later seasons of life.
AUTUMN CLEANING
No more ‘spring cleaning’ in your household - from now and forever onward, every Autumn you’re going to dedicate a weekend to harvesting your life. Both inside the home and in your own person life - how can you pick through what you DON’T need and what you DO need.
Harvesting isn’t about abundance. It’s about picking through. Being selective. Editing.
You too can let go of what you don’t need in your home so you can create a clean and minimal household for the Winter. You can release unnecessary ‘obligations’ because you no longer attach your ego to your value. Clean out the things, chores, tasks, jobs, and junk that you don’t need in your life this Autumn season.
Neuro-Qi Tip o’the day!
BACK TO BUSINESS
Shield yourself from the nightly chill, not good as Wei Qi isn’t as strong at night
Move away from vigorous activities, time to move inward
Get organized in what you WANT to do and what you CAN do (journaling can help)
*Video posts every Friday by 11:30am MDT
