Aligning with the Seasons - Part 4
Winter – A Time to Go Within, Rest and Recharge
“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.”
– Edith Sitwell
As we head toward the New Year, we are fully in the embrace of Winter, which represents a powerful, yet inward energy. Winter asks us to slow down, let go of stress and overwhelm, go within and contemplate, and focus on supporting ourselves. It is an important time of quiet and reflection.
In Chinese medicine, Winter corresponds with the fluid energy of Water, which asks us to be in the flow of life and not resist the obstacles in our path. Indeed, surrendering to what is while understanding that all circumstances are just temporary, is a key theme during Winter. The gifts of Winter bring creativity and inspiration, along with strength, courage, and willpower should we choose to use them.
But there can also be a darkness and depth to Water – think of an iceberg of which we can see a small portion above the water but below there is so much more hidden below. The emotion associated with Water is fear, and much like an iceberg, there are hidden depths of fear which can arise during this time. Part of the wisdom Water offers is to recognize when fear arises and to acknowledge it but not be swept away. Truly, at this time, fear is ever present, and it takes awareness and courage to not be carried away in its current.
“Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that the Kidneys (called the Storehouse of the Vital Essence) operate like a pilot light that can spark light within the entire body, mind, and spirit. Kidney Fire vitalizes the system and separates the pure aspects of Water from the impure. The contaminated parts of Water are transported to the Urinary Bladder for storage and elimination, while the pure parts are transformed into a mist, which is circulated freely throughout the body. This action sends warmth and energy to every cell in the body. In metaphorical terms, Kidney Fire provides the driving energy and resolute will power needed to overcome obstacles and press forward to accomplish our goals in life.”
In the body, Water element is associated with the kidneys. It is vitally important to support the kidneys during Winter as they store “Jing” or our life force. When our Jing is depleted, aging is accelerated, and we feel excessively tired and depleted. Water element is also associated with the ears and the health of our kidneys dictates how well we can hear and absorb information.
During Winter it is easy for Water to become out of balance. This can show up in a variety of ways – we may be immobilized or frozen in some way. Fear and/or paranoia may overtake us and drive our decisions and actions. It can also cause us to hold our breath or to feel more anxious. Water out of balance also has the effect of overwhelming the Fire element within us, which can lead to a loss of hope and joy. Rest is key here, as well as taking time to relax the mind, calm the emotions, and go inward to reflect using the tools of meditation, or fluid physical activities such as yoga, Tai Chi or Qi Gong.
To help keep Water in balance and empower you to tap into the many gifts Water has to offer, here are some suggested activities. You don’t need to do all of them, just pick the ones that appeal the most to you.
Do exercises that involve moving, toning, and stretching the body such as walking, yoga, tai chi, or qi gong
Listen to your body and take time to replenish your reserves
Spend time near water or immerse yourself in it
Strengthen your intuition and use it regularly
Reconnect with your ancestral lineage and call upon it for support
Take time to let your creativity flow
Allow silence and downtime in your life
Find ways to break out of your routines and allow wandering in your life
Get a relaxing massage
Wear dark blue or black and flowy clothing
Bring Water element into your home or office by adding the colors of dark blue or black, adding items that have a wavy shape, or images that contain water
Eat warm nourishing food such as soup and drink a lot of water
As a last note, don’t forget that as you move through Winter it can look as though not much is happening on the surface. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The self-nurturing and replenishment of energy reserves that you do now will fertilize the seeds that sprout in the Spring, bringing beautiful energy to support you profoundly. Breathe in the beautiful stillness of Winter knowing that it is the necessary fuel for a hopeful and purposeful Spring.
Want More?
If you’re looking for a way to break through whatever is limiting or holding you back, consider doing an Intensive. Designed specifically to clear out trapped energy and limiting beliefs, an Intensive is a powerful way to support yourself – energetically, emotionally, physically, and mentally.
