Do you ever feel like maybe you’re overly perfectionistic or that you have difficulty adjusting to spontaneous plans? If so, it could indicate that your Metal Element might be out of balance.
Like each of the Elements, the Metal Element offers its own unique gifts to help you thrive. When the Metal Element is in harmony, it’s easier to feel at peace with yourself and others. However, if you end up with an excess or deficiency of the Metal Element, your internal energy system falls out of balance.
In this blog, you’ll discover six signs that your Metal Element might be out of balance. We also discuss how you can use Qi Gong to regain harmony within yourself.
1. Overly Perfectionistic (Excess)
The Metal Element helps you set clear goals and stick to your intentions. While this is a wonderful gift, it can become a problem if you take it to the extreme.
If you have an excess of the Metal, you may find that whatever you (or others) create isn’t quite good enough. Maybe you’re planning a trip and become frustrated because some of the minor details don’t quite align. Or, perhaps, you’re working on a project with colleagues and never fully satisfied with how the project is evolving.
2. Chronically Sad or Depressed (Deficiency)
The Metal Element provides energy for inspiration and excitement in life. Therefore, if you have a Metal Element deficiency, your emotions may swing in the opposite direction.
Chronic sadness or depression are indications that your Metal Element is deficient. If you find that small mishaps feel like monumental setbacks, there’s a good chance that your Metal Element is out of balance. Similarly, if you can’t find the emotional energy to engage with life in a fulfilling way, that’s another indication of a Metal deficiency. Being able to take a step back and acknowledge such experiences can allow you to take meaningful steps to rebalance your energy.
3. Overly Controlling or Rigid (Excess)
Individuals who are rich in Metal Element have a clear vision for how things “should” be. Although clarity has many benefits, it can also create issues if you’re not able to be flexible at times.
People who have excess Metal can have a tendency to be overly controlling or rigid. For example, someone like this might find it difficult to compromise when working with others. Instead of listening and considering others’ thoughts and opinions, these individuals can sometimes focus on advancing their own ideas and intentions. Needless to say, it can become difficult to work closely with someone who has an excess of Metal Element.
4. Lack of Clarity in Your Life (Deficiency)
On the contrary, people who have a Metal Element deficiency may experience a significant lack of clarity. For small decisions, someone who is Metal deficient might have a difficult time deciding which restaurant to go to for dinner, what outfit to wear, or whether or not they should follow through with plans. In fact, making decisions can even cause significant stress and anxiety for those deficient in Metal Element.
For larger life decisions, the anxiety can be magnified. In some cases, these choices can seem so overwhelming that people become. These decisions might pertain to work, education, or relationships. If you find it difficult to make such choices, that could be a sign of a Metal deficiency.
5. Difficulty Being Spontaneous (Excess)
Because the Metal Element gravitates toward organization and clear, intentional plans, those with excess Metal may find it difficult to be spontaneous. If an opportunity pops up at the last minute, they may pass on it simply because it doesn’t fit into their current plans.
As helpful as it may be to establish plans, sometimes life presents new ideas or opportunities that you couldn’t have foreseen. Perhaps, it’s an unexpected career opportunity. Or, maybe you meet the perfect potential life partner at a time when you want to be alone. While it’s important to be thoughtful and intentional with your decisions, it’s also wise to be open to the unexpected treasures that life presents you with.
6. Feeling Unmotivated or “Numb” (Deficiency)
If you often feel unmotivated or “numb” to what’s happening around you, that could be an indication that you have a Metal deficiency. For example, if a specific activity used to excite you but now makes you feel indifferent, it’s possible that you’re experiencing a Metal Element deficiency. Of course, everyone’s interests and passions change over time, so it’s important to reflect on whether your lack of motivation is based on natural shifts and growth, or whether there is something deeper that is lacking.
Once you’ve identified that you have an excess or deficiency of Metal, the next step is to regain harmony. One of the best ways to do this is to slow down, look inward, and rebalance your internal energy. Qi Gong is a wonderful practice for helping you achieve this.
Balance Your Metal Element Using Qi Gong Practices
If you’re interested in learning powerful Qi Gong practices to cultivate and balance your Metal Element, be sure to check out our on-demand Qi Gong for Fall workshop.
In Lee’s Qi Gong for Fall Workshop, Lee teaches a variety of practices that are specifically designed to help you channel the gifts that the Metal Element offers. The Metal Element is connected to the season of fall, which means that right now it’s the perfect time to harness its positive qualities and fortify your energy before winter. Click on the banner below to discover how Qi Gong for Fall can help you experience more balance and harmony in everyday life.