Return to Centre
In Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophy the 10,000 things that make up this world are composed of five elements : water, wood, fire, earth and metal
The elements are laid out in a wheel. To the North lies water, To the East, Wood, to the South, Fire and to the West, Metal. In the Centre of that circle is Earth
According to tradition, universal energy moves through each of the elements in a steady rhythm over the course of a year. It spends about two months in each element, before returning to the Centre for a month where it pauses in the Earth element where we are invited to rest, digest and realign. This rhythm creates the seasons and the natural cycles of growth, harvest, decay and renewal.
In August, we entered the Metal element of Autumn – a time for reflection and assessment. Metal invites us to ask which of our plans flourished over the summer and are ready to be harvested, and what never took root and can now be released. Autumn teaches us to let go of what no longer serves us, clearing a space before the stillness of winter.
Returning to Earth: Finding our Centre
Around 8 October, the energy of the year will return again to the Centre. Here, resting on Earth for a month, we are called to integrate what we have learned. It is time to digest the lessons of Autum.
If we don’t take the time to consciously retreat to our Centre to consolidate, we lose touch with where we are. Without consciously grounding, we don’t know how firm the earth is beneath our feet or what stirs quietly at our core.
We need a strong centre to hold steady when the winds of change start to stir.
We need a strong centre on which to stand while the world moves crazily around us.
We need a strong centre to step forward from when the next direction calls.
As universal energy returns to the Centre, we should also make time to come back to our own Centres – listening to what stirs beneath the surface and allowing it to become known.
Sure of where we stand, we can bound forward with confidence like the energetic Dog, the guardian animal of October, towards the next season. For as November begins, the cycle turns again, this time towards Water, the element of wisdom, stillness and deep listening. By taking the time to ground first, we can step into this next phase with strength and purpose.
Only by knowing where we are can we truly decide where we want to go.
Return to Centre Acupuncture and Guidance sessions
Return to Centre Acupuncture and Guidance sessions are available to support this process from 8 October to 8 November. Each 90 minute session will explore what Autumn has brought to your attention. We will then use acupuncture to strengthen your Earth element so you can integrate those insights and decide how to carry them forward.
Return to Centre Acupuncture and Guidance sessions are available for a month each time the universal energy returns to the Centre. Sessions will held in January, April, July and October.
If you’d like to return to your Centre, strengthen your foundation and prepare for what’s ahead, please get in touch.