WINTER REFLECTIONS I
by Doren Day, L. Ac.
Winter has a lot to teach us – if we use it well. In nature, Winter is a time to slow down and rest. Trees and plants draw their life energy inwards and down underground to preserve and gather resources for the coming year. Nature is still, quiet and deep during this season. We can learn from the season of winter by slowing down and conserving our own energy. We can also take this time of quiet to ask the big questions about what’s next. What is important to us? What is worth spending our energy on?
You may find it hard to slow down and rest amid the hectic pace and demands of modern life. However when we continue at a breakneck pace throughout the year, our whole selves can suffer because of it. We need stillness and quiet in our lives, but most of us don’t get enough of it. How can you make room for more?
In Chinese Medicine, the season of Winter is associated with the element of Water. We can use images of water to help us find ways to live in balance during this important season. For instance, imagine yourself as a pool of water. The busy activities of life are like ripples on the surface. Allow your self to sink down from the surface to the stillness and quiet among the pebbles at the bottom of the pool. Feel the depth of that stillness spreading its peaceful silence throughout you. Let the relaxed, flowing quality of the water teach you.
Winter is a time to ask the deep questions. A time to sit and wonder without jumping ahead to quick answers and action. Just sitting quietly, feeling the deep mystery of life, is a way to feed the energy of the Water element.
Water also has something to teach us about determination. How does a deep canyon get cut? By the gentle water of a river that never stops, never gives up, is determined to stay on its path. What are you determined about? Feel that determination and align yourself with it. Again – don’t jump ahead to plans and action, just feel the power of your will. Which canyon will you cut?
As one of the Five Elements, Water (and Winter) holds a powerful key to our health. Of course, we have all Five Elements within us in every season. By receiving Five Element Acupuncture treatment you can make sure that your own particular energy needs are supported and healthy during this and every season. This Winter, you can choose to give special care to your Water element by coming in for a seasonal treatment and by living in harmony with the season.
Suggestions for Living in Harmony with Winter:
- A Quiet Place — Make a time for silence everyday. A simple meditation or quiet walk in nature can restore you at a deep level.
- Hibernate — Honor your need to sleep a little more in these longer nights. Head to bed a little earlier, sleep in when you can. Or fit in a nap between 3-7pm – the time of day associated with the Water element.
- Eat Warmly — Foods that warm you from the inside include root vegetables, winter squash, sweet potatoes, stews, etc.
- Ask the big questions — Set aside some time for wonder and awe. Don’t rush to answers.
- Water – keep drinking it! — Your body appreciates pure water. Plenty of it! Room temperature or even hot water with lemon, will feel best in this season.
