Time for your Autumn Tune-Up
The leaves are falling off the trees more each day. As we make the seasonal transition, everyone says more and more “Why am I getting so tired?” The energy for our body has just come out of its peak time of year of summer; a time full of connection and outward energy and activity. The natural course for our energy in Autumn is to start the hibernation process. So is it tiredness? It could be… but it is also the fact that we should be looking to that inward time of winter hibernation.
As we all continue to trudge along in COVID times, I encourage everyone to embrace the Autumnal energy and let go. Let go of all the stressors and trials and tribulations of the last couple of years. Ask yourself, what am I holding on to that I no longer need? This helps to clarify the Metal Element which is associated with the Lungs and Large Intestine. The Metal element is also where our immunity is reflected. The Lungs give us that deep breath of inspiration and clarity and connection to our higher purpose. The Large Intestine, the Yang organ, gives us the ability to let go of things that are no longer supportive to our system. Oftentimes, in seasonal transition, this can bring to light areas that we have stuck. This is the ideal time for seasonal tune-ups to keep our systems supported and thriving. Root vegetables, such as yams, sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, my mother’s favorite, rutabaga (yuck!) and hearty cooked vegetables are very supportive to the lung network, along with apples, pears and Asian pears. Below is a recipe for baked pears with cardamom that is perfect for supporting the Lung network. Cardamom, or sha ren, is also a Chinese herb that helps to transform dampness and support the stomach and Lung qi.
Baked Pears with Cardamom
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Servings: 2 people
Ingredients
1/4 cup white wine
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 firm ripe pears halved and seeded
1 1/2 Tbl lemon juice
2 Tbl sugar
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Combine wine, cardamom and vanilla in 8″ square baking dish.
Place pears cut-side up in baking dish and pour lemon juice over. Sprinkle with sugar.
Cover pan with foil, place on the middle rack in the over, and bake 30 minutes, or until tender.
Remove foil and move pan to top rack. Broil 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Watch carefully.
Transfer pears to a serving place and drizzle with juice from the pan
Recipe Found Here