Spring Renewal
Spring is here – the early morning light, the warmer breezes and in our yearnings for change. The seasonal shift is underway in our landscapes, bodies and psyches. We are not separate from nature. As the seasons change, we do too. You may have noticed the craving of a fresh start, heightened creativity and desire to jump into the potential of new ideas and projects. Or alternatively you may find yourself with creative blocks, feelings of frustration, overwhelm by the lengthy to-do list or stressful times, and tightness in the ligaments of your body. That is the energy of Spring. The seeds of intention that have lied dormant all winter long are now stirring.
In Chinese medicine, Spring is dominated by the Wood element. The energy of Wood is purposeful, uprising, determined and creative. The element of Wood takes root in the Earth. Under the surface, Wood connects to Water, the source of all life. We too draw from the energy of our roots, the Earth and Water, to rise up and stand tall.
A favorite teacher onced asked, “If you were a tree, what would you be?” Imagine yourself as the seed of this tree buried under winter’s hibernation now beginning to bud. Rooting down into your nourished foundation with the strength to rise up towards the sky with a purpose of spreading your branches and bearing your beauty.
All seasons correspond to emotions. The emotion connected to the Wood element is Anger. Anger is often viewed as a negative emotion. However, healthy anger is a natural reaction to injustice, stress and obstacles we must face. Anger, if moved through thoughtfully, can be productive, empowering and create the shift needed to restore balance. Anger that resides in the body it can create feelings of immobility, stifling tension and lead to headaches.
It is important to honor all of our emotions and move through them towards harmony by allowing them to pass and create capacity for the next, rather them storing them in our body.
The yin organ associated with the Wood element is the Liver. In Chinese medicine, the Liver is in charge of the smooth flow of Qi (energy), blood (nourishment) and emotions throughout our body. The Liver has the task of storing our blood as well as detoxifying it, keeping it full of vitality. The Liver is known as the “Free and Easy Wanderer” in Chinese medicine. When it is in balance, the energy of the Liver flows with strength and ease attuned to the natural rhythms of the body and environment.
The Gallbladder is the yang organ associated with the Wood element. Physically, the Gallbladder is in charge of creating bile and secreting it into the digestive tract to facilitate healthy digestion. Energetically, the Gallbladder is in charge of decision making. With the forward movement and creativity that Spring brings, a healthy Gallbladder keeps the energy just and on track.
Spring is a time of renewal. Now, more than ever, it's time to dust off the cobwebs and revitalize.
It’s a time to honor the body, mind and spirit as it navigates a new phase in life as we have ever known it. We have an opportunity as we navigate our world’s crisis and begin to shape a new way of being in ways that are more sustainable, just and connected to our roots. Consider how you would like to rise with the season’s budding change.
Here are some Enso tips to stay healthy and vibrant as we welcome Spring.
Get Creative - Make space for the fresh energy of Spring to move through you. Declutter. Reflect. Connect to yourself & nature. Let whatever is stirring within to take root and grow.
Attune to the season - Spring is a great time to detoxify, focus on good circulation of blood and lymph (hot & cold therapy or dry brushing are great techniques) and gently move stress and stuck emotions out of the body, mind and spirit. This time of year is all about creating flow, ease and magnetism. Let go of what is holding you back and start fresh.
Move your body - Luckily for us, the Montana landscape and community that we are a part of has no shortage of physical activities. Find something that is supportive of your body and move. Physical movement frees stuck energy in the body, mind and soul and creates more peace from the inside out.
Nourish your body - Drink water and eat healthy to nourish your Wood energy. Eliminate foods that stress the Liver and your digestive system. Less sugar, white flour, fried and greasy food. More greens, healthy proteins citrus and bitters. Savor your food and give thanks. Drink plenty of filtered water and stay hydrated.
Written by: Laine Gallegos, LAc & Katie Cook-Bretson, LAc
Photo credit: Leila Sterman, taken near the Jefferson River.