Are You Ready to Thrive?

Woo! We're half way through our discussion of the five elements, are you enjoying yourself?  I am!  Today we're going to talk about Metal.

The metal element controls our sense of organization, self-control and conscience.  Also our boundaries and sense of right and wrong.  When we are balanced, the above qualities are exhibited.  When our metal element is out of balance, we may become unorganized, socially inept (think self-control), we may become inflexible in our lives and unable to let things go - both physically (think hoarders) and emotionally (think grudges).

The organs associated with metal are the Lung and Large Intestine.  People with metal imbalances may notice some of the following physical symptoms:

• asthma
• allergies
• eczema and other skin conditions
• changes in bowel habits (because of metal's relation to the Large Intestine)

The color of metal is white, so to strengthen your metal element, consider surrounding yourself with items or clothing that are white in color.

Go through your closet and get rid of clothes that no longer fit or no longer like.  Someone else would probably love these items, and it's a great way to practice letting things go.

Organize your kitchen junk drawer (yeah, we all have them!).  Putting things in their place will make your metal element feel much calmer!

If you find yourself dwelling on a situation from the past where you were wronged, take a moment to quiet yourself and focus on letting go of the grudge/anger/sadness.  How do you do this?

Forgiveness might be the right word for you and your situation.

You might find that what works for you is to see some good that came from the situation.  Yeah, your boyfriend may have cheated on you, but look at the wonderful person who came into your life because he was no longer occupying that space.  Finding the positive can help you let go of the bad!

Tomorrow we'll discuss the element of water. I bet you can't wait! (I know I can't!)