The ancient Chinese, Eastern Indian, and Native American Indians as well as many other indigenous cultures, believed that human beings should live in harmony with nature. They followed the natural order and cycles of their environment.
Chinese physicians categorized life in terms that have been loosely translated as the “Five Elements,” “Five Seasons,” or “Five Rhythms.” The Chinese system essentially focused on processes within nature, not her static forms, but the moving, flowing, ever-changing aspects of the elements depicted within the seasons in nature.
According to Donna Eden, Energy Medicine Matriarch, “the word Rhythm best describes these thoughts in dynamic, energetic terms. This is because the Rhythm of the Season or the Element affects the entire human body, spirit, mind, and psyche.
A Rhythm Runs Through It All!
The natural world around us is very changed during the Winter Sesason. Oriental medicine teaches us that Winter is ruled by the Water Element, which is associated with the kidneys, bladder and adrenal glands. The kidneys are considered the source and repository of all energy or “Qi” within the body. Winter is the time where this energy can be most easily depleted.
This is especially true in the West, with the hectic frenzy of the holiday season, and the New Year Resolutions with their Active Intention and Goal Setting!
Since our culture seems to be habitually active in our human do-ings instead of investing in our potential as human be-ings, it is no wonder that flu season becomes rampant, as well as increases in adrenal fatigue or other auto-immune problems.
According to Oriental Medicine, the Winter Season or Element, is a time of slumber for Mother Nature and can be taken as an example of how to live life more healthfully.
During the winter months, which have longer, darker nights, the water of ponds and lakes harden into ice. Plants submerge their lifeblood into their roots, and many animals tend to hibernate, grow thicker hides, and take to their dens, caves or underground tunnels where they either slumber or eat food that they have stored for the long winter season.
This is a time of apparent quiescence and stasis, yet beneath the surface is the hidden activity of gestation and germination that will come forth in the spring. That which lies outside of us is often also mirrored within us, though many in our culture fight against the grain and tend to go against nature’s way...and end up skating on thin ice.
Though I am part of this larger active Yang energy, can-do culture, when I take time to meditate and reflect, I gain access to and follow my inner wise-woman’s voice.
Through the years, I have come to recognize that during the winter months, I tend to feel the need to settle down, hang with my family, meditate, go for quick bursts of exercise as I walk my dog, practice Yoga or Pilates, relax, journal, and feed the fans of my imagination, as I set intentions for the NEW YEAR.
This is a great time to rest, stay warm, accumulate reserves, and tend to the hearth within us. Stay indoors, eat nurturing foods, stew or brew one’s future desires and intentions.
Allowing ourselves to have this special time for inner reflection can make a huge difference not only in our health and well-being, but how we can create, envision our dreams and desires as well as implement an inspirational plan for ourselves in order to close the gap between what we imagine and what we currently see.
It is my belief that fulfilling our potential this year and creating the life of our dreams is not only possible, but tangible if we stop ‘running’ our usual circular race and ‘develop stillness’ in order to become one with our inner knowing, our inner voice, and our inner power!
Wishing you all a Happy New Year! I am hoping you will be inspired to follow the Rhythm of the Winter Season in order to make this the best year ever!
For more information on the Winter Season or Element of Oriental Medicine or to inquire about Energy Medicine Healing Sessions, email me at areissner@optonline.net or for New Year Specials on A Healthier You, check out my website at www.vitalessencehealing.com/Special_Offers.html
