In Chinese Medicine, Spring is associated with the Wood
Element. Wood is a very active energy with a forward, outward and expansive
movement, an explosion of rebirth and vibrancy. It is time for progress and to
get moving with new project.
Whereas Winter was the time of the year to go back inwards
and to consolidate what you had learnt or done, preserving your resources,
Spring is the time of the year where you should stretch yourself and start new endeavours.
Spring is the season of the Liver (the organ associated with
the Wood and Spring). The Liver is responsible for the free flow of energy in
the body. When constrained, Wood is the energy of anger and frustration. Inflexible
wood will quickly break when it’s stressed. Likewise, flexible people are
better able to handle stress and take life’s bumps and bruises in stride whereas
anger can make us hard and unbendable.
As Spring is associated with the Liver, it is also the best
season to review of our diet and give it a nice boost and cleanse. It is also
associated with the colour green and with our eyes.
So, on a more practical point of view, what can you do to
make the best of Spring?
1-
Start a new project. Whether you are thinking of
doing some much needed home improvements or if you want to make some life style
changes, now is the time to do it. The energy of the Wood will help you
planning your project and most importantly to carry it out.
2-
Eat plenty of green vegetables such as green
beans, broccoli or spinach and avoid sugary foods.
3-
Work on your flexibility, with your muscles (why
not trying Yoga?) but also with your mind. Try to be assertive (not angry),
flexible (not rigid), and remain engaged with our eyes on the important people
and projects in your life.
4-
Keep your energy flowing by taking on a physical
activity. This doesn’t need to be one or two hours of a very energetic
activity. A 15 minutes walk with the dog or a gentle exercise such as Yoga or
Tai Chi can be just as efficient.
5-
Go outside and get in touch with all the changes
that Spring brings.
And most of all, ENJOY!
