Moving to the inside

                                       

The fall season is officially here and with it the energy of the metal element. It’s no surprise that this element represents change, letting go and transformation, we see it all around us.  It is considered one of the most spiritual of the elements because of the alchemic potentials.  Feng Shui theories echo this more spiritual aspect as well as the metal element is represented by the celestial father or heavenly influences. In both Chinese medicine and Feng Shui, the metal element also governs the lungs and therefore our Qi or life force.  Actually, there are different types of Qi. There is our original Qi that we are born with, but there are also other types such as grain Qi that we derive from the food we eat, lung Qi which comes from the air we breathe and wei Qi which can be likened to our immunity, to name a few. These types of Qi can be supported and cultivated with various lifestyle practices and regimes such as Qigong and eating locally with attention to the energetic action of foods according to the five elements.  One of the things I love about Chinese Medicine is that it is based on the principle of prevention rather than intervention.  Of course sometimes life happens and we require intervention, however taking a conscious approach towards prevention also increases the daily quality of life, self awareness and empowerment. It cultivates a closer relationship within ourselves and the world around us. I love the analogy of tending to our mind/body as gardeners tend to the garden. Nurturing the seeds of new potential, weeding out the excess, and giving thanks for the fruits of our labors. 

The energy of the fall asks us to move inward, a pause, to give yourself time to do what feels right to restore for the winter season.  Whether that’s cleaning house, making time for practices or activities that nurture you or simply taking a new interest in how and what you are filling your cup with.  Getting back into the kitchen is one great way to reconnect and nourish the system for the changing climate.  Some of the foods associated with the metal element are those of the onion family, garlic, ginger, turnips, radish. The color of the element is white, so think white foods.  These foods help to circulate energy, warm the body and eliminate toxins.  Other immune boosters can be combined such as mushrooms, chlorophyll rich leafy greens, celery, pumpkin, squash, and sweet potato.  

One of my favorite cookbooks is called Naturally nourished by Sarah Britton. It’s full of delicious and not too complicated ideas to keep you inspired!  

www.nourisheveryday.comhttps://nourisheveryday.com/

Happy Thanksgiving!

Debbie

www.blossomingspiritfengshui.com

Exploring the dance of yin and yang

                                                   

Yin and yang are opposite states of expression contained in all of life.
Yin represents the polarity of passivity, while yang is the expression of the activity.  Many other opposites can be used to demonstrate this principle such as light/dark, up/down/ inside/outside etc.  This paradigm can be found everywhere, everything has an opposite, with a multitude of expressions in between.
To observe this transformation or movement within ourselves allows us to see our own unique song as we change notes, hit highs and lows and integrate that each note contributes to the whole - the inner meaning of healing is just that - to make whole again. We see the representation of this in the  yin/yang symbol.  Each side contains an element of the other. The white has a portion of black, and the black a portion of white. The expression is in constant motion but always contains the entirety or wholeness as it moves between phases or extremes.

Sometimes in our human experience, we forget or lose sight that we are always whole and contain all parts of our divinity at all times.  We are never separate from that even when we may be out of sync.  When we can express our yin (form and receptivity) in equal portion to our yang (activity and function-service) we find our balance point, the center, or homeostasis. When we balance our physical form with our divine function or purpose, we become the embodiment of the Taiji.

This dance can easily be understood by witnessing the change of seasons.  The full yang of summer slowly and gradually gives way to autumn until it reaches the ultimate yin of winter.  This transformation process is part of our nature as well.  Just as the seasons move through this expression of polarities, we experience change and growth and continuous cycles.

A tree doesn't question when it begins to lose it's leaves in the fall., doesn't worry or fret that it worked so hard to develop them, doesn't fear rejection or feel failure in their absence.  It just moves with the phases because the tree essence remains unchanged.  It's divine expression includes all phases of "tree-ness" From bare branches to full bloom and back again.  It's in the holding on or resistance to change that interrupts the natural order of things in our lives and can cause a misunderstanding of the grace and divine order of all things.  It's not so much the changes in our lives that cause suffering but how we interpret them.

The yin/yang theory can be observed in just about every aspect of life.  Science tells us that energy cannot be destroyed, only transformed.  This speaks to the very same principle.  Everything in life is in motion and we are in constant interaction with everyone and everything around us.
Given that, we can put attention towards cultivating the quality of this constantly moving force or Qi.  In our bodies, Qi comes in through the breath.  To nurture the balance internally, we can look to the breath as one method or practice.  The inhale is the yang of the breath, the exhale is the passive yin aspect.  Even in a very short amount of time of conscious breathing we can re establish harmony within.  This simple practice sounds a signal to the rest of the body that balance is being restored on a physiological level.  This yin/yang balancing act is also the foundation of Chinese Medicine.  Either polarity can be adjusted through activation of the meridians with acupressure.

In our environment, we can also seek to restore harmony through Feng Shui.  Qi is likened to the forces of wind and water. The wind moves the energy (yang) and the water contains and supports it. (yin) That is the literal translation.  Observing the arrangement of furniture or architectural structures (yin ) with the interaction we have within these spaces (yang) can give us an indication if an imbalance exists. In other words, is there a balance between form and function? 
Clutter is a very quick illustration of this principle.  In a space that is very cluttered (overly yin) it is hard to function (yang) or feel productive.  The energy gets stuck from the over abundance of yin.  Yin is receptive, contemplative, and nurturing in energy however in excess can become stagnant, overly reflective, depressive, without movement, dark. There is not enough yang to animate the space and maintain that balance of equal yin to yang.

If we can begin to see all of our experiences through this lens, it becomes much easier to move and adjust with the natural order of things, both internally and externally, which also allows us to embrace our own divine expression without judgement. We are all simply moving through the cycles of our unique landscapes, and every change has a perfect purpose of bringing us back to center.

www.blossomingspriritfengshui.com

Matters of the heart

As we approach the summer solstice, we transition into the energy of the fire element.  This element pertains mainly to the heart, although in Chinese Medicine, each element has a yin and a yang partner meridian.  The fire element is the only element that actually governs four of the twelve meridians. (That makes it pretty important!) The two yin meridians are the heart and master heart or pericardium, and the two yang meridians are the small intestine and triple warmer.  Yin is said to pertain to our emotions, while yang pertains to our beliefs and attitudes. 

Each of the five elements has a role within the body, which can be compared to a hierarchy of a kingdom so to speak.  The hearts role is that of the emperor, who rules with clear intention and awareness, by spreading joy.  We’ve all heard the expressions lead with your heart. 

The master heart envelopes or protects the heart, particularly from excessive emotional damage and shock.  When in balance, they govern our ability to feel joy, compassion, the ability to deal with strong emotions, intimacy, and a sense of wholeness and self love.  When out of balance, we can experience mania, restlessness, a feeling of disconnection and depression, heart palpitations, sleeping problems, spontaneous sweating of the palms or feet, anxiety, phobias, a feeling of restriction in the throat, incessant talking or laughing.

The yang aspects pertain to assimilation of ideas, clarity of thought, memory, and nourishment of the body/mind connection.  A disharmony can present as inflammatory reactions, jaw problems, tinnitus, unclear thought processes, lack of energy, increase in colds or fevers or become emotionally cold or shut down.

One of the most beautiful aspects of being human is our vulnerability and the great capacity to love and be loved.  As part of our experience, we will naturally come up against the polarity of this as well. These heartbreaks, seeming failures, illness or traumatic experiences can affect this vital element and can store themselves deeply into the system.

Restoring balance to the heart can be achieved through acupressure and other healing modalities such as sound therapy, flower essences or homeopathy but also by nourishing the Shen* 

This can be likened to our spirit, or presence.  It’s our ability to connect to a higher source, to enjoy life, cultivate awareness, manifestation, our vitality, and our unique expression.  This can often be seen in the eyes. That sparkle or conversely, that emptiness.  Our Shen* is first transmitted to us in utero and it’s said the moms state can effect what is transmitted to the fetus. It can also be cultivated throughout our lives.

Practices such as Tai Chi, Yoga, adopting an attitude of compassion and forgiveness, or simply engaging in activities that feed your soul play an integral role.

In our world of rushing from one responsibility to the next and the disconnect of virtual connections, allow yourself the time this summer to explore what makes your heart sing and experience the joy of the moment. Nourish your spirit with self love and positive thoughts, breathe, and actively replenish your heart center. ♥  The best part is...living your bliss gives those around you the notion or permission to do the same. Shine brightly!

www.blossomingspiritfengshui.com