Steel
- mi7104
- Oct 3, 2025
- 2 min read
My dad was an engineer and in his hey day he owned and ran his own factory, CLC Engineering.
During a recent visit up North with daughter A we were visiting him in his nursing home and the subject came up as we were reminiscing.
Daughter A didn't know how steel was made. Not surprisingly as daughter of 2 designers, physics and chemistry were never a strong point!
Grandad started to explain how steel is made as a product of iron ore which is extracted from coal. You may be aware in the news that sadly a lot of this industry longer exists in the UK except in Scunthorpe. I found this article which explains a bit more about the process, which you might be interested to read.
I've also been following a brand called Homework who produce gorgeous blends of essential oils. I've used their products to support my yoga teaching before.
Interestingly, they have a fragrance called Metal which they say is aligned with Autumn.
'In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each season is guided by an element. Autumn is the season of Metal. A time of clarity, reflection, and release. Just as the trees let go of their leaves, we are invited to let go of what no longer serves us and breathe in fresh energy'.
'taking shape and holding its form, it’s something magnetic, gravitational and structured.....see our past selves, to let go'.
Yoga teachers use lots of references in Autumn. Of letting go and Aparigraha. AI's summary of this is spot on.
Aparigraha is a Sanskrit word meaning non-possessiveness, non-greed, or non-attachment, and it is the fifth of the five yamas (ethical guidelines) in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. It involves holding things lightly, not accumulating possessions or ideas beyond what is necessary, and cultivating a mindset of contentment and inner freedom rather than relying on external things for happiness
These are are really helpful lessons both in helping us be more present to the journey of yoga and life generally.
But, maybe like the Homework brand describes there's a 'stronger' (no pun intended) message coming from the association of Metal and Autumn? That something stronger can come when it's removed from another matter? See our past selves and let go.
I'm just about to place my next order and will let you know what it's like.
Have a lovely weekend X
This is exactly where I am in my life, trying to let go, to sit patiently with the inevitable discomfort of change and be curious and open about what comes next. None of this is coming very easily, but then again, change never does!!!