A Long Winter's Rest

Winter calls us to sink into relaxation and rest, knowing that Spring will bring a burst of light and energy. Now is the time to be quiet. A season of inquiry.

Here are some questions you might want to ask yourself:

• How are my reserves of energy? Have I run myself low? Do I need to replenish?

• Do I manage my energy wisely?

• Are my boundaries appropriate, allowing me to hold my energy and use it consciously?

• Is there space in my life for reflection, stillness, and contemplation?

And some practices:

• Run an experiment - give yourself an afternoon or a day to do nothing other than relax - read a book, nap, let go of all goals. See how you feel at the end of the time.

• Go to the mountains. Walk or snowshoe in the snowy woods. Notice the stillness that the blanket of snow brings and how quiet you become inside as your body comes into harmony with Winter.

• Schedule more time for your inner life. Practice meditation, read books that nourish you, pay more attention to your senses.

• Eat warming foods - focus on cooked vegetables, grains, and meat.

• Schedule an acupuncture appointment for a Seasonal tune up.

Entering Winter

Autumn is changing to Winter in Seattle. Most of the leaves have fallen and are waiting in piles if they have not been taken away. All that energy from the sun, rain and soil went into the production of so many leaves. Oak leaves in particular are so sturdy; thick, hard to even tear apart. As they sit in a compost pile, laced with horse manure, they break down slowly, becoming rich soil thanks to the worms and microbes. As the pile gets one last turn before it is tucked in for a winter slumber, I think about the yucky stuff in each of us that melts slowly into enriching insights if we are willing to give it some air and proper attention. Like jealous feelings that lead us to realize that in the light of consciousness all positions are equal, all is one. Or the intense grief and heartbreak felt when we are rejected. It shows us the depth and capacity for love that exists in our hearts.

As we move into Winter, are there any areas of difficulty that you want to unearth and explore, and then allow to soften and melt during the dark months, liberating and enriching you for the Spring?

Autumn Practices

In Autumn we Let Go.
Move downward.
Seek Inspiration.

Here are some great practices to make use of the energy of the season:

Clean out the old:

• Go through your home and work place. Clear out places where clutter collects. Clean out closets, filing cabinets & medicine cabinets. Comb through your bookshelves for items that you no longer need. Sell, give away or recycle as much as possible.
• Assess your schedule - clear out any activities that you are done with - pare down to essentials.
• If there is any unfinished business in your relationships, clean it up
• Let go of pain that causes you unnecessary suffering. If appropriate, write down the things you need to release, then burn the paper.
• Autumn is a great time to cleanse the body. Eliminate toxins from your diet and eat simple, whole foods.

Receive the pure energy of the season:

• Go for a walk and breathe deeply - experience the clear, crisp air and feel how much energy it gives you.
• Honor the friends, relatives, pets, colleagues who add to your life.
• Seek out things that inspire you - read an inspiring book, listen to music that moves you, view art that touches you.
• Is there anything that you want to add to your life to enhance your health, energy or soul? Meditation, regular breathing exercise, a gratitude journal are some examples.

Engaging with this season also prepares us for the deep stillness of Winter, when it is appropriate to be more quiet and restful. May you have a rich and beautiful Autumn!

For more information about Five-Element Acupuncture, see the Center for Classical Five-Element Acupuncture in Seattle.

Practices for Late Summer

Late Summer is almost gone...

While its still here:

Go apple picking

Do a gratitude meditation - focus on all that you are grateful for or spend a few minutes at the end of each day feeling gratitude for specific people, events or moments.

Take a long slow walk outside, really taking in and savoring all that you smell, see, hear.

Bake a pie or crisp - share it with loved ones.

Slow down and let the magic of life and Nature feed you.

Let pear juice run down your wrist as you take a sweet bite.

Have an acupuncture treatment to facilitate balance and being in harmony with Late Summer.

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