Sustainable Living with Yourself: What Can We Learn from the Seasons?

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September 1st is dedicated to Sustainable Tuesday. A day to reflect on how we can engage with our world more sustainably.

We cannot burden the Earth indefinitely without consequences. The same thought applies to ourselves; our bodies are not an inexhaustible resource.

In Chinese medicine, health is not viewed separately from the natural rhythms around us. The seasons show us that there is a time for growth and activity, but also for slowing down, recovering, and turning inward.

Especially around September 1st, the day when meteorological autumn begins, that rhythm gradually changes. The exuberant Yang energy of summer slowly gives way to the more inward-focused energy of autumn. It's a beautiful moment to not only look outward but also to check in with yourself.

What can you let go of?
The autumn is associated with letting go and making space for what is important within Chinese medicine. You can also look at this very practically: where is a lot of your time or energy going right now? Are there habits, expectations, or obligations that no longer suit you? By occasionally taking the time to reflect on this, you can better determine where you do want to invest your energy.

How is your breathing?
In Chinese medicine, the Lung is connected to autumn. Breathing naturally plays an important role in this, but themes such as letting go and turning inward are also associated with the Lung. On a busy day, you sometimes hardly notice how you breathe. Taking a moment to consciously focus on calm, relaxed breathing can be a simple way to step out of the constant action mode and reflect on how you are doing.

What does your body need right now?
When the season changes, our daily rhythm often changes as well. The days become shorter, it gets cooler, and we spend more time indoors. Therefore, within Chinese dietary principles, autumn calls for more attention to warmth and nourishment, for example, in the form of warm, cooked meals. But perhaps more importantly is the question: what do you notice yourself? Do you need more rest, sleep, routine, or perhaps movement? Sustainable self-care also begins with learning to recognize such signals, rather than only responding when your reserves are depleted.

Sustainable living may not only be about taking care of the world around us. It's also about taking care of yourself.

Don't wait until you're completely drained, but learn to recognize when it's time to slow down, recover, and recharge.

Want to know what acupuncture can do for sustainable health? Find an NVA acupuncturist near you and feel free to ask any questions.