We have just had a week of wind in Melbourne heralding a change of season. This is Pre-spring in the six seasons of Wurundjeri country and Imbolc in the pagan calendar, half way between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. It’s the time of year when those of us who live in places with a relatively cold and dark winter can say the hardest is behind us. The days are becoming longer, the sun is a little closer to earth and the first spring flowers are starting to blossom. The Golden Wattle is a delightful burst of colour that always lifts the spirit and signals that before too long it will be True Spring.
East Asian Medicine invites us to align our energies with the seasons. Spring relates to the Wood element, the liver, the tendons in the body and wind. Wind stirs things up and we need to be flexible to adapt to change. The last year or so has definitely asked us to be flexible as time and time again plans have to be cancelled or adapted.
Rather than overthinking every possible outcome, it is better to cultivate a supple body and open mind that can respond to anything that comes our way. Foods to nourish the Wood element and increase flexibility include green vegetables, dandelion root tea and lemon or apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. It wouldn’t hurt to take a mini fast around now, maybe just eliminating alcohol, caffeine and refined sugar to freshen up a sluggish system post winter.
To develop a flexible mind, imagine yourself as supple bamboo rather than a rigid oak tree. When you feel impacted by change or circumstances beyond your control, imagine bending with the force rather than resisting. Then when the storm has passed you can spring back up to enjoy the sunshine after the rain.
