Wake Up! Spring Is Here!

As the days become warmer and brighter, nature rouses from her winter slumber and looks ahead to the new growth of spring. Nature, which has been at rest, storing and concentrating her energy under a winter blanket, now bursts forth with new buds, new life piercing the Earth’s crust. The rising energy of spring is the energy of youth and growth: a new beginning, a vision of a whole new cycle.

If we have followed nature’s ways and taken a winter rest, we too emerge into spring “raring to go,” with clear vision and a sense of purpose. This is the season to plant seeds for a future harvest, to look ahead and make new plans, to formulate new ideas, to make decisions, and to determine our direction for the coming year – and to take action. For the next six months, from the vernal equinox to the autumnal equinox, daylight, sun, and the yang principle will be dominating our lives.

Spring’s increasing warmth encourages us to stay outside more than we did in the winter. Warmth comes not only from physical heat as the temperature rises, but also from the interaction of friendships and relationships. In this season, we want especially to take advantage of opportunities for growth through the observations and insights that come from others as well as from ourselves. It can be painful to see ourselves through different, and perhaps clearer eyes, particularly aspects of ourselves that we are unaware of. While the energy of spring supports and challenges us to grow and change, we may feel discomfort from these processes. We can temper our pangs with the warmth of friendship, as well as the recognition that we all experience growing pains in the process of realizing our potential.

In traditional Chinese medicine, springtime is associated with the Wood element. The Wood element governs the liver, the gallbladder, and the eyes. The liver function is called the Official of Strategic Planning, the grand architect for the vision of the future. This official sees the directions we must take to live our lives in harmony with nature. Its companion, the Gallbladder Official, gives the ability to make decisions and judge wisely. Through these officials we can see both new possibilities and the wisdom of the past, and thus see the clear and appropriate course to take. Without Wood’s vision and plan, decision and direction, no movement is possible – there is only frustration.

In order to take full advantage of nature’s energy in this season, spend some time reviewing your life from different angles and your health at all levels.

Physical Level

In your body, this is the time to cleanse – out with the old to make room for the new. If you are inclined, do a juice fast, particularly to purge the liver of all of its impurities. If you don’t fast, at least concentrate on drinking plenty of fresh fruit and vegetable juices and including all the new spring greens in your diet. In order to help lighten the load, avoid fried foods, chemical foods, alcohol and drugs.

Feel the sunshine and increased daylight pull you up and out, like the plants and animals. Feel the life within you, like the outdoors, thrust up and out of darkness into new possibilities. Make a dedication to regular exercise, preferably an activity that takes you outdoors.

Mental Level

Begin new things – at home, at work, and in yourself. This is the most creative season of the year when nature is continually reinventing itself. How can you express your creativity in a new way? Take up a new hobby or interest, start a new project, look at an old problem with a fresh perspective.

The Wood element governs planning, judgement, direction and decision-making. What are your goals for the future? Do you have a long and short term vision for what you want to accomplish? Are you clear about the steps necessary to fulfill your vision? Assess your place in life. Is it appropriate for your energy level? Are you comfortable about the direction in which you are moving?

Spiritual Level

Spring does not last forever. Use its bountiful energy wisely, so that the crops you sow – again, in yourself, in your work, and in your life – are those you wish to harvest. You are the director of your own life.

Kim Hanson studied Five Element Acupuncture under JR Worsley. This system of medicine aligns one with Nature and her seasons. Kim lives on Salt Spring Island, BC on an organic farm with her family where she is intimately affected by and in relationship with Nature and all her subtleties.

Image Credits

Title Image: Creative Commons Public Domain. Courtesy of Pixabay. https://pixabay.com/en/tatry-ko%C5%9Bcieliska-valley-winter-1034768/. Text added.

New Fern: Creative Commons Public Domain. Courtesy of Pixabay. https://pixabay.com/en/fern-green-plant-spring-340854/.

Wood Sign: Creative Commons Public Domain. Courtesy of Pixabay. https://pixabay.com/en/directory-signposts-wood-grain-235079/.

Hike in the Park: Creative Commons Public Domain. Courtesy of Pixabay. https://pixabay.com/en/hope-spring-hiking-direction-1693269/.