Winter – the energy of the water element

Water is the energy of winter, it is the time of year when everything slows down, when nature retreats, recovering its vital energy for the next cycle of seasons.  In us, it is the energy of the bladder and kidney meridians. It is a time of restoration, of stockpiling our resources, of contemplation, of gentle nurturing and getting in touch with our inner wisdom.   Water is the most yin of all the elements and is associated with qualities such as rest, decrease, passivity, inwardness and tranquillity. Winter therefor is a powerful time to sink into the depths of our being, to reflect on the cycles just gone and to nurture the seed of our potential. This period of rest and recovery allows us to leap forth come spring, when nature bursts forth with growth and activity in the upward motion that is the growth of life. Take the time to nurture yourself this winter by eating warming healthy foods, getting more rest and earlier nights and by not driving or pushing yourself so hard. Growth and action is not meant to be consistent or continuous – it happens in cycles just like everything in nature.  There is much we can learn by observing and following nature. I thank Traditional Chinese Medicine for bringing me in closer alignment and giving me the capacity to observe myself through her. It’s not often that I allow myself the time to rest and relax yet since the turn of winter I have been spending more time meditating, practising yoga, having kinesiology, reiki and massages, eating wholesome and warming foods and getting plenty of sleep – all wonderfully rejuvenating for my mind, body and soul. I also enjoy plenty of Epsom salt baths in winter – if you have not come across the multitude of health benefits from Epsom salts then Google it and get yourself familiar with them. Above all, tune in and listen to what YOUR body is crying out for this winter and treat it to exactly that…