An interesting observation occurred to me. A few weeks ago we went on our first backpacking trip with the kids. As in carry everything on our backs, hike in, camp and all the wonderful and challenging stuff that comes with that. As some of you know I have had a stubborn pain in my low back and leg on and off over the past year. So I worried the heavy pack and sleeping on the ground would worsen my pain. But something surprising happened: I felt no pain all weekend.

This experience reminded me how much of our emotional and daily stresses get lodged in our bodies and manifest as pain. When it comes to healing, there is no separation between physical, emotional and spiritual. All levels need to be addressed, otherwise the relief doesn’t last. We don’t always want to go there, it is uncomfortable however necessary for meaningful change.

When I came back home and returned to my usual routine, those familiar twinges in my leg crept back, whispering a question:
What am I carrying that no longer serves me?

Autumn’s Invitation to Let Go
Autumn, with its falling leaves, is nature’s reminder to release what’s no longer needed. In Chinese Medicine, this season aligns with the Lung and Large Intestine meridians, organs of surrender and transformation. As the cosmic wheel shifts from yang to yin, it is a time to slow down, grieve what’s past, and make space for new possibilities.

Take a moment to reflect:

What habit, belief, or situation are you ready to release?
What new possibilities might emerge if you let go?

It’s okay if the answers take time to surface.

A practice

I invite you to sit with a tree trunk supporting your back and breathe deeply, imagining air filling your lungs. Exhale slowly visualizing stress and burdens leaving your body.
Repeat 3 to 4 times
Notice the shifts