Respecting The Metal Element Within You

In this episode, Kate dives deep into the Metal element, one of the key energy types. Discover the unique traits of the Metal energy type, including how perfectionism can manifest and how it often holds us back. Kate discusses the balance between self-respect and external validation, offering powerful insights on how to release what no longer serves us.

Explore the physical and emotional symptoms of an imbalanced Metal element, such as asthma, gut issues, and critical self-talk, and learn actionable remedies to bring yourself back into alignment. From essential oils to lifestyle shifts, Kate shares practical ways to nurture and respect your body’s needs.

Whether you identify as Metal energy or not, this episode will inspire you to embrace imperfection, prioritize self-care, and step into your most authentic self. If you're ready to let go of external expectations and reconnect with your inner strength, this is the episode for you!

Please Note:
In this episode, I discuss themes related to mental health, perfectionism, and personal struggles that may be triggering for some listeners. If you are experiencing mental illness, feelings of overwhelm, or emotional distress, please prioritise your well-being and seek professional support. You are not alone. If you're in Australia, you can contact Lifeline Australia at 13 11 14. If you're in another country, please research local helplines and support resources.

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Transcript

Hi guys, welcome back to another episode! Today, we’re talking about the Metal element, which is actually one of my personal energy types. According to the results from my free quiz, many of you are Metal energy types—so that's pretty cool!

In this episode, we’ll dive into what it looks like when your Metal element is out of balance and what it looks like when it’s back in harmony. I’ll also share some remedies and tips for bringing this element back into balance.

It's interesting that I just used the word perfect because Metal element people can be perfectionists. We often feel that things need to be perfect for us to be satisfied. However, perfection doesn’t exist, and striving for it can leave us stuck, unable to move forward toward our goals. For example, you might have a business idea, but a year down the track, you’re still stuck on choosing brand colors or designing the perfect website. That’s a red flag that your Metal element is out of balance, and perfectionism is holding you back.

So, how do we overcome this? It starts with respecting and accepting ourselves as we are. Respect is a major theme of the Metal element—it’s about refinement, respecting yourself, and letting go of the need to be perfect. A motto I’ve been working with lately is done is better than perfect. This has really helped me, especially as I’ve been growing my business and putting myself out there more on social media and through my website. Perfectionism serves no one, and it certainly doesn’t help you reach your goals.

You can often recognize someone with strong Metal energy by their appearance—prim, proper, clean, and tidy. Even if their style is unique, there’s usually an element of being well-presented. Metal people want to feel respectable, but this can also be influenced by societal expectations. Part of the journey for Metal people is learning to let go of those external ideals and reconnect with their true selves—expressing their uniqueness in a way that makes them feel proud.

Now, this isn’t about vanity. It’s about feeling good, looking good, and being proud of how you show up in the world. Sometimes, this extends to the brands you wear. Metal people often feel drawn to specific brands that resonate with them on a deeper level. However, when out of balance, this can come across as materialism. We’ll explore that today too—how Metal people sometimes seek validation through material possessions, but true respect comes from being a good human, not from what you own.

The Metal element is also about purification and introspection. It’s associated with autumn, a season of shedding and letting go—just like Metal people need to learn to let go of what no longer serves them. The two main meridians associated with the Metal element are the Lung and Large Intestine. Issues in these areas, like asthma (as I have) or gut problems, can signal a Metal imbalance. These can be managed with lifestyle changes, and I’ll share more on this later in the episode.

The Lung holds grief, so if you’ve lost a loved one and haven’t fully processed that emotion, it can show up physically—maybe as a chronic cough or asthma. The Large Intestine represents letting go, particularly of external validation and the need for respect from others. If you’re holding onto that need, it’s time to release it and return to your own values.

The sense associated with Metal is smell, and this can be a powerful way to shift your energy. Using essential oils or engaging your sense of smell can help you reconnect when you’re feeling out of balance. For example, if you notice dry skin, dry hair, or even exhaustion, these are signs your Metal element might be out of balance.

One of the major needs for Metal people is self-recognition—acknowledging your strengths and letting go of perfectionism. When we’re overly critical of ourselves, we can project that onto others, too. We might find ourselves judging others harshly because we’re not allowing ourselves to feel pride in what we’ve accomplished. If this resonates with you, be mindful of your self-talk. If you find yourself constantly criticizing yourself, it’s time to start giving yourself some credit.

A key way to balance the Metal element is by focusing on vitality—getting enough sleep, exercising, eating nourishing foods, and treating your body with respect. Some physical symptoms of imbalance include asthma, allergies, bowel issues, dry hair and skin, sinus problems, and weak immunity. These symptoms are often the result of a perfectionism-driven lifestyle, combined with harsh internal criticism.

Many Metal people also deal with father issues or parental pressure, which can exacerbate the tendency to strive for external respect. I experienced this myself when I was younger. After finishing school, I felt lost and ended up moving to Brisbane, where I went to university. But I wasn’t fully committed. I was partying hard and in a toxic relationship, which led to me nearly being kicked out of university. This was a turning point for me. I realized I wanted that degree, and I had to start respecting myself enough to show up and do the work. After that, I turned things around and even received a Dean’s Commendation. This was a huge lesson in self-respect for me.

Later, I quit smoking—something I’d struggled with for years. It wasn’t easy, but I did it for me. If anyone out there is struggling with quitting smoking, send me a DM on Instagram. I’d love to share what helped me.

A lack of routine or being constantly late can also signal a Metal imbalance. Metal people thrive on structure and planning, and if that’s not in place, we can feel overwhelmed. However, having a bit of routine helps calm the inner critic and gives us more freedom. Avoiding feelings is another common trait for Metal people. We stay busy to avoid addressing the emotions that might require us to make difficult changes.

It’s also common for Metal people to avoid compliments or downplay achievements. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to allow yourself to receive love and kindness.

When in balance, Metal people are able to take full responsibility for their lives. You might remember a time when you truly realized, “I’m in charge of my happiness and my path.” That’s the power of balance—when we can make the changes needed to align with our purpose and live with joy.

This year, I’ve been focusing on my physical health, respecting my body, and making choices that align with my well-being. I’m choosing healthier foods because I respect myself enough to do so. It’s a journey, and perfection is not the goal. The goal is to show up each day as your best self.

When balanced, Metal people also have a healthy relationship with money and material possessions. While it’s okay to desire wealth, it’s not the driving force behind our happiness. The true goal is living a life connected to your soul’s purpose. When you’re in alignment, those material things will come naturally.

Having clear boundaries, accepting where you are in life, and striving for continual growth are key signs of a balanced Metal element. When in alignment, you’ll feel more connected to the sacredness of spirit—whether that’s God, the Universe, or whatever resonates with you. It’s about trusting that life has your back and you are being guided on this journey.

So, how do you bring your Metal element back into balance? Essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, and lemongrass can be helpful. Warm lemon water in the morning can be cleansing, and focusing on reducing inflammation with foods like garlic, onions, and green drinks can help too. Slippery elm and fiber-rich foods support the Large Intestine.

The affirmation I’m working with right now is: I enjoy the preciousness of now. Staying present and focusing on the joy of the moment is a powerful way to maintain balance.

I know this was a long episode, and we went down a few rabbit holes, but I hope it was valuable for you. If you haven’t taken my free energy type quiz yet, be sure to check it out—it will help you better understand your energy type and align with what feels right for you.

As always, if you’re feeling lost, triggered, or need support, please reach out to Lifeline Australia at 13 11 14 or your local helpline. Your life is precious, and asking for help is a sign of strength.

Thank you so much for tuning in, and I’ll see you next week when we explore the Water element. Have a great week, everyone. Bye!