The Autumnal Equinox ushers in for us at 4:44 EDT. . . Here’s a quick and easy lesson on a Chinese way of thinking about nature and its cycles. We all experience the fact that things sprout and begin to grow (spring). They fire up or ignite or bloom (summer) and reach completeness (late summer). They begin to dry and wither (autumn). They rest (winter). In Chinese thought, these five seasons – or five “elements” or five “phases” – include an inherent understanding that the cycle continues endlessly, with each period of rest or winter followed by new growth, or spring. Each of the five phases or seasons of ancient Chinese philosophy carries associations with specific things: directions, colors, sounds, organs in the body, fundamental elements such as water or fire or metal, real or mythological beasts. Here’s another simple example. While summer is associated with the the emotion of joy, autumn is associated with both courage and sadness. Of course it is, because, in autumn, things are dying. The light is dying, for one thing, as Earth’s orbit around the sun and tilt on its axis combine to carry us in this hemisphere further away from receiving the sun’s rays most directly. The days are getting shorter. Plants and trees are winding down their cycle of growth. Sadness – and courage – are natural emotions as these changes are taking place. That’s part of what the Chinese philosophy of the five phases or five elements is trying to convey: for example, sadness is part of the autumn season. Sadness isn’t an emotion to be avoided at all costs. Instead, sadness is simply part of nature. So to celebrate the autumn equinox as the Chinese philosophers did, you might … Stand facing west, considered the direction of autumn in ancient Chinese philosophy. Just stand for a few moments and honor the “westness” of autumn. Consider your dreams and visions, and the path on which you’re moving forward through your life. Light white candles against the growing darkness of the season. Or place white flowers on your table. White is the color of autumn in the Chinese tradition. Allow yourself to weep for things you have lost. Weeping is the sound of this season, according to Chinese philosophy. Find the courage to face what’s ahead. Once you learn this basic fact of nature, the dry and brittle phase of autumn, when things are dying – or periods of loss in your life as a whole – become easier to bear. I wish you all love. . .
Posted on: Sun, 22 Sep 2013 15:04:49 +0000