The Power of Letting Go
"In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you." - Gautama Buddha
AUTUMN IS COMING!
The autumn equinox is more than a seasonal shift—it's nature’s invitation to let go.
This week, the huge sunflowers that littered our nearby fields are dropping their petals as shades of brown and amber announce a shift from summer to fall. Besides the cooling weather, the new season brings something deeper. Each of the four seasons contains an innate wisdom that can benefit your health and wellbeing in a powerful and life-changing way.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, autumn is the time of the Metal Element, one of the five elements that are believed to influence all aspects of life, including our health. Every element has a set of organs it’s associated with, as well as a predominant emotion. The Lung and Large Intestine are the organs pertaining to the Metal Element, and grief is its corresponding emotion. The Metal Element carries an even deeper message –let go of what no longer benefits you.
This wisdom isn’t just for humans—it can apply to our animal companions, too.
THE HIDDEN EMOTIONS OF ANIMALS
A few weeks ago, the vet removed a tumor from Grace’s leg. As I watched her recover from surgery, I couldn’t help but wonder how much of her past trauma still lingered beneath the surface. Grace, who was rescued from a hoarding situation, survived an attack by a mountain lion, and recently went missing in the wilderness. At eight years old, she has had her fair share of trauma. How much of that distress did she still carry in her body?
I thought of the many patients I had treated in my practice when I was an acupuncturist. In school, our training taught us to look beyond the physical symptoms and search for the emotional issue underlying the problem. I wondered if the same logic applied to animals. Could the root of their illnesses contain an emotional factor?
Grace’s surgery was a success. The tumor was a low grade with a slim chance of recurrence. I found it intriguing that the mass had been located on Large Intestine 11, an acupuncture point that sits at the crook of the elbow. When stimulated, Large Intestine 11 is a major point for releasing what is stuck in the body. It helps one let go of what no longer serves, whether memory, emotions, or illness. Just like the Metal Element teaches us to release grief, Grace’s story reminds me that healing is not just physical but emotional too—for both humans and animals.
I wish I could help Grace let go of any trauma she may be holding onto. But just like humans, dogs can only move down the path one step at a time. Healthy food, exercise, a safe home life, playtime, and love–Grace gets these in abundance. I believe this kind of pawsitive environment will go a long way towards helping her become the first dog that lives forever. (Ok, that’s a bit of wishful thinking on my part.) What I can offer my beloved girl is a happy and stress-free life, one that will benefit her health and wellbeing for as long as we are together.
THE EQUINOX
Soon, the Autumn Equinox will be on our doorstep and on that day, I’ll be considering what I need to let go of in my life. In the meantime, Grace and I will celebrate the coming season by going on later walks, enjoying the crunch of leaves underfoot, and eating sweet potatoes sprinkled with cinnamon.
Grace is cancer free and for this we are beyond grateful. But what remains is a scar on her elbow, a mark whose location is a daily reminder about the importance of letting go, something we can do at any time of year, and whatever the season.
Stay Healthy and Stay Pawsitive,
Carlyn MDO 💜
PS. What is one thing you are holding onto that you no longer need?
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