Summer Lovin'

Summer is here in Seattle. The rapid rising of Spring has given way to the full energy of Summer. The days are long and plants are maturing rapidly. Small fruits will ripen soon; larger fruits are growing and maturing. The tall trees are in full leaf - able to gather huge amounts of energy from the sun. Early summer flowers are in bloom and many plants are buzzing with bees carrying information from flower to flower - connecting them all together.

There is a tremendous amount of energy available right now - this is a great time of year to rise early and get going with the day. If you rested well in the Winter, and sprouted your vision and laid plans in the Spring, Summer is the time to busily fulfill your vision. Its a time of action. Its also time to play and be with loved ones. The warm weather brings people out onto porches, balconies, and into parks. Socializing and connecting with friends and neighbors is a natural activity.

Living in a place where Summer is often short makes it all the more important to really fill up on sunshine, fun, love, and play.

For more information see The Center for Classical Five-Element Acupuncture in Seattle.

Spring!

Its clearly Spring here in Seattle! Plants are growing inches a day and nature is busy. The deep rest of winter has given way to a flurry of activity. It is happening inside of us, too. If we are well and in balance it is natural to rise early, to lay plans for the coming year. We look into the future and see a clear vision for our lives. Its time to launch ideas that have been gestating. Favorite springtime activities include:

A visioning exercise - create a vision board - a collage of images that embody your dreams and plans for the future.

A deep spring clean, internally with a cleanse, or externally in your space.

Trying a new activity, joining a class, or stretching into something you have never done before.

Making decisions and moving forward in any areas of life where you have felt stuck.

Happy Spring!!

For more information see The Center for Classical Five-Element Acupuncture in Seattle

Late Winter

It is late Winter here in Seattle.  The first bulbs are flowering and buds are beginning to swell on the trees.  All of a sudden the days are lengthening - in fact the rate of change speeds up this time of year - it is getting light faster!  You can feel that the energy is starting to change.  

There is caution needed this time of year.  Although things are changing quickly, it is still winter.  Professor Cheng, the great Chinese physician and T'ai Chi Master, used to caution that this is the time of year when many people get sick because they do not keep warm.  The earth is still quite cold.  Just sit down on the grass and you will feel it!  I often see people with the flu this time of year and sometimes ending up with pneumonia or a bad sinus infection.  It is time to use energy wisely.  Sleep as much as your body needs.  Be inside in the evening.  Let small projects begin to flower, but keep ambition in check.  Spring is coming, and with it plenty of energy and momentum.

For more information see The Center for Classical Five-Element Acupuncture in Seattle.

Questions for Winter

Winter is the season of stillness & inquiry. Time to go deep inside and reflect on the essence of life. 

Some questions to ponder at this time of year:

• What is the state of your reserves of energy? Do you have plenty or have you run yourself down? Take the time to build up your reserves if needed. Rest. Stay warm. Drink lots of water.
  
• What practices do you have in your life that create space for stillness and reflection?
  
• A mountain lake that freezes in the winter is storing its power - when it thaws it fuels that tremendous growth of spring. Are you aware of your personal power and how you use it?
• Do you manage your energy wisely?  Do you contain your energy well or do you spill it out in your life?  Are your boundaries appropriate, allowing you to hold your own energy and use it consciously?

Practices for Winter include:

• Sleeping as much as your body needs.
• Gathering with close friends and family - time to go deep with those who mean the most to you.
• Taking a conscious rest vacation or retreat.
• Eating cooked foods - warming stews and roasted vegetables.

For more information about living in harmony with the seasons and Five-Element Acupuncture see the Center for Classical Five-Element Acupuncture in Seattle.