Grief

Each of the 5 seasons has an emotion that is related to it, Grief being the emotion linked to the Fall. It is an emotion that we often run from, hide from, or feel uncomfortable in the face of. However, grief is a very healthy part of being human. It is something that we will all experience in our lifetime, for ourselves and alongside people that we love. There is something uniquely special about sitting with a grieving friend and just being there, as a witness to their emotions. We can not fix it, it may feel awkward, and we may not have words of comfort. This is ok. Bearing witness is enough. Your presence is enough. For the grieving, as unpleasant as it may feel, it is important that we feel it, have some healing around it, and let it go. We can keep the memories and love with us forever, but repressed grief becomes pathological and can impact our wellbeing.

The Organs

The lungs and the large intestine are the organs associated with the fall season and grief. The lungs are responsible for taking in new and letting go of the old. Physically we see this as the lungs taking in fresh, clean, oxygen rich air and releasing old air filled with carbon dioxide. Emotionally, the lungs are responsible for our openness to newness and bringing in fresh ideas.

The large intestine is responsible for releasing waste from our body, the letting go of what no longer serves us both physically and emotionally.

If we have repressed grief we may see issues develop in either organ. Asthma, catching colds easier, colds that land in the chest, & constipation are symptoms of grief not moving in the body. Emotionally, we may see this as having a hard time letting go, attachment issues, reliving the past over and over, and the inability to handle change.

We may feel shame or guilt if we let go. This is normal. it seems terrible to be happy again after a big loose. Letting go, moving through grief, does not take away from the importance of the event. It only shows we can appropriately handle grief.

How to ease the burden

There are a few ways you can help to ease the burden. First we must acknowledge the grief, we can not run from it just because it is uncomfortable. Breathing exercises can help to release the energy from the lungs. I’m talking deep, into the belly breathing. Try filling your lungs all the way, feeling the breath enter your lungs and fill into your lower belly.

We can eat foods to support the lungs. Garlic, sweet potatoes, onions, pears, radish, pumpkin, seeds, leeks, walnuts, and ginger are just a few examples.

Massage acupoint Lung 3, Heavenly Palace, to helps process grief and support the lungs. If you have essential oils, i think saro, black spruce, rosemary, or cypress would work well.

And lastly, don’t forget to share it. Share it with your friends, your family, or Mother Nature. We are in this great dance of life together and can be of great comfort to one another.

A Personal Note

Most of my blog posts come to me because of something going on in my life, I don’t always share the details but today I feel called to. On October 5th, my grandmother passed away peacefully in her home. She was one of the most influential people in my life and I believe she played a big role in me becoming an acupuncturist.

As a kid I spent a lot of time with my Grandmother. We hiked, collected tadpoles, and made moss terrariums in the endless supply of glass jars that sat up on her fridge.  We played Chinese checkers, read bedtime stories, and she let me rummaged through the attic for all the treasures my aunts and uncles left behind.   We went on 20 mile bike rides and kayaked for hours. She taught be about wildflowers, birds, and knew everything there was to know about wildlife.

I am so grateful for all my childhood memories.  And more grateful for the constant presence she was as I grew up.   No matter what was happening in my life, she never judged, she was always there, and she had a way of making things less dramatic then they were in my head.    She didn’t always ask what was going on, she never tried to fix the problem, she was simply there and the stress melted away.

She taught me that a walk in the woods can heal almost anything, sleeping with the windows open is the only way to hear the magic of the night, and if you look closely there is  beauty tucked in every corner.   

Next time you are out for a walk, look for the wildflowers, make a moss terrarium, or sit and just listen to the birds. Remember that nature can be a source of comfort, no matter what is happening in your life.

Be Well

In loving memory of Emily Durkee

October 13, 1928 - October 5, 2021