Spring : Wood Season
With another year of the pandemic under our belts, our health has certainly taken a toll. Many of us are experiencing poor sleep, regular anxiety and heightened stress, depression, back, neck, and shoulder pain. While our resilience has strengthened over the years, this spring seems to bring a renewed resolve to soften - the tension, the breath, the mind - in the face of adversity. With the start of springtime, we are positioned to rebuild and renew in a way that compares to no other time of year.
A Season of New Beginnings and Growth
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the seasons hold a powerful relationship on our body, mind and spirit. At the heart of Traditional Chinese Medicine lies the Five Element cycle which symbolizes the continuity and stages of life. Each season, and its corresponding element, represents a stage of development. Spring, aligned with the Wood element, is the first in the cycle and signifies creation – birth, life and its subsequent evolution.
The rest we took in the winter (and perhaps even further back with quarantining) allows us the energy to begin to build again. Energies that rested, germinated and hibernated during those cold, dark days can now take shape. As the amount of daylight increases, so too does the active and outward yang energy, which will reach its pinnacle in the summer. For some, this increase in rising yang energy can be overwhelming. Take stock and pace yourself accordingly, it’s okay to take it slow.
Consider this a time for a fresh start, like a breath of fresh air. To get things flowing – break out, get some sun, loosen up, and move. Speaking of fresh air and movement, the climate associated with Spring is Wind. As an “agent of change,” Wind is known to bring new ideas and rearrange old ones. Let it.
A Season of Creating and Creativity
Spring’s Wood energy relates to the building, brainstorming and planning of any creative idea. Wood represents the action aspect of bringing an idea to life (with winter’s Water element as the source of ideation). This planning adds the necessary substance, direction, and spark to any creative endeavor. Embrace your natural creativity and generative process - start new projects, plant a garden, paint an accent wall or engage with the community in a new way.
A Season of Emotional Release
Spring can be one of the best times to move through personal and emotional challenges. This is because the season is ruled by the Liver and Gallbladder. The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of blood and emotions throughout the body. It’s also known to be most affected by stagnant emotions and stress. On the other hand, the Gallbladder is responsible for storing and excreting bile (what to keep vs. what to let go of) and governs decision making, planning, dreaming, inspiration, and assertiveness. Combined, these organs can influence an emotional release and breakthrough, which perhaps many of us are needing as we process the days behind us and the days ahead.
Putting a Spring Back in Your Step
Sloughing off winter can be tough, especially since we’re not yet at the end of the pandemic tunnel. But there is light both outside and ahead. The spring season makes it possible to shed what no longer serves and to find more joy and lightness in life. With change ahead, it’s okay to expect a bit less of ourselves than in previous years. While we may be leaving the emergency state of things, we must honor that we are not yet even post-trauma. Our bodies may feel depleted and easily overwhelmed or agitated for some months to come. Be easy on yourself, keep your expectations and routines simple, and trust yourself to know what you need and crave with each new season ahead.