TRADITIONAL WISDOM


The lessons of spring


It is during spring that we delight in


new beginnings and new possibilities. It is a wonderful time to use this momentum to propel you forward


and take action to create what you wish for your life.


by Michelle Teunon


SPRING IS IN THE AIR! Spring is a time of birth, awakening, growth, and renewal. It is a magnificent time to witness nature bursting with new life and vitality. Those things that have been resting over the cold months of the winter are slowly coming back to life… including us! This time of year is comparable to sunrise – the dark of night is now behind us and new beginnings emerge with the increasing light. As the sun intensifies in strength, we too begin to gain momentum and start to feel new life stirring within us.


SPRING EQUINOX This year the spring equinox falls


on September 23rd. The equinoxes indicate a time of balance, where for a short time day and night are of equal length. Balance is only ever a temporary


40 SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017


state and soon the days will become longer than the nights as we continue the cycle of the seasons. Since the winter solstice on June 21st, we have seen our daylight hours increasing daily as we head towards summer once more. The coldest, darkest, more restful


time of the year is now behind us and there is an underlying excitement and joy. As the sun intensifies in strength, you may have the urge to let go of the stillness of winter and get active. It is the perfect time to take action on our ideas and dreams – to plant the seeds for our future harvest. Everything in nature is coming alive and all of life’s energies are moving again after a period of dormancy. It is a time to emerge and move forwards, reaching out for what we want for ourselves.


SPRING AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM) In TCM spring is associated with the wood element, the colour green, and the liver and gallbladder organs. Physically this influences our tendon flexibility and the health of the eyes. The liver is said to be responsible for the smooth flowing of qi (energy) and blood throughout the body. When the liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also run smoothly. When the liver is harmonious, stress or tension is minimal. If the qi stagnates, the body will become sluggish and emotions such as frustration, irritability, impatience, discontent, and indecision can arise. To keep your mind and body healthy


this spring, get your qi moving with brisk walks and gentle stretching activities such as yoga, qi gong, or


IMAGE: DULCINEIA DIAS


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