Exploring Our Emotions: Autumnal Grief and Gratitude
What is emotional wellness? Is it feeling happy or joyful all of the time? or most of the time? This would be denying a natural and human part of ourselves… the full spectrum of our emotions. We tend to judge our emotions instead of embracing our humanity. When we shift towards allowing our emotional experiences and observing them in our bodies, we can begin to cultivate a new relationship with our emotions and a deeper sense of well-being.
E-motion stands for energy in motion. As a Five Elementstyle acupuncturist, I understand emotions through their connection with the energetic movement of the seasons. Each emotion can be felt in dis-ease and in wellness. The main emotions associated with autumn and the metal element are grief and gratitude.
During this time of year the darkness creeps into each end of the day. As the temperatures drop, things die back. The hopes and plans of springtime have run their course. The abundance has been gathered and it must be enough to last through winter. We are faced with the reality that “it is what it is” and we must grieve all that has ended and all that shall never become. This is the grief.
Let’s look at the energetic movement of grief. There is a slight rise and then a sheer drop, just like the leaves of deciduous trees. They inspire us as they turn magnificent colors and then they each make their one and only descent to the earth.
And with this loss, more light can shine through. This is the gratitude. With every loss, we have the opportunity to shed light on what we value and to give thanks. “My barn having burned down, I can now see the moon.” — Mizuta Masahide (17th century Japanese poet and samurai)
I’d like to share one more perspective about grief. My late teacher, Bob Duggan, often shared a teaching that the word “stress” was only recently used to describe an emotional state. Before that, it was used to describe the weight bearing capacity of steel. So what did people commonly say before we started saying “I’m stressed”? Bob taught that they said, “I’m grieving”.
Are there stressful situations in your life where it would feel different to say “I’m grieving”? Does using that language change the feeling in your body?
When I’m feeling “stressed”, I often tighten in my shoulders and jaw. I feel helpless because I cannot create change fast enough. When I think of it as grieving, I can let go of some of that tension in my body, take a deep breath and acknowledge the loss. Then I can take effective action based on the reality of what is.
Grief over a situation and grief over an actual death is a very difficult emotion. We must remember to make space to feel it fully, and yet not let it consume us. Rituals and breathing are two important tools to facilitate this process. And remember that in the face of grief, we are keenly aware of what is of true value. And for this we are grateful.
I wish you all a spectacular fall season and the ability to express gratitude.
Deep breaths,
Rachel Kriger, Licensed Acupuncturist & Life Cycle Ritual Consultant
(Did you know that acupuncture can support emotional wellness? This is the fifth of a five part series exploring the emotions from my perspective as a five-element style acupuncturist. Parts 1-4 can be found on my blog page: https://pointsofreturn.com/pediatric-acupuncture-blog/
As the many benefits of acupuncture accumulate, you can develop a new understanding of and relationship with your emotions, and a greater sense of ease in your mind, body and spirit.)
Rachel Kriger is a Five Element Style Acupuncturist who works with kids and their grownups too. She is also a Life Cycle Ritual Consultant. Learn more about both services at www.pointsofreturn.comor call 215-495-3229 for a free consultation. 3qw