Spring is a time of magical awakening. In the cycle of the seasons, spring is a wonderful experience of rebirth and emergence. It is important to take a moment and immerse yourself in this process. The natural world has so much healing energy for us; it is vital to embrace it whenever possible.
Imagine a seed deep in the frozen ground of winter. That seed contains the potential energy to become a beautiful flower or a mighty tree. The potential of the seed is waiting to be unlocked so that it can expand and blossom. In order for the potential to be realized the seed needs certain things. Most importantly the seed needs fertile ground, water and sunlight in order to grow. With the change of season from winter to spring, those needs are now able to be met, bringing the opportunity for the flower or tree to emerge from the seed and begin the growing process. It is a special time full of possibilities.
Our Soul is the seed of our pure being. It resides deep within us holding the potential for growth into an enlightened being. Each individual Soul is unique throughout the whole of creation. It is the spark of individuality that gives us the belief that we can become something better. The potential of the Soul is waiting to be unlocked. If we can provide what it needs then, just like the seed buried in the ground, it can emerge from its dormant state and begin growing.
The fertile ground of the Soul is the body, the foundation of our being. A body that is free of toxins and pollutants is a much cleaner vessel to carry the Soul. A body that is healthy and active provides the nutrients the Soul needs to be strong and vibrant. When the body is in a state where it can respond to what we ask of it, the Soul is given the freedom it needs to expand and embrace life.
The water of the Soul is found in the clarity of the mind. As I wrote last issue, Mind Like Water is the process of mindful awareness. When our minds are full of thoughts and distractions, we have difficulty responding effectively to situations that come up. If we have too much stuff going on in our heads, we can miss opportunities or fall into difficult situations. The Soul needs clarity of thought in order to thrive.
The sunlight of the Soul is our connection to the breath. With each deep breath we inhale, we bring vital life force energy into our body. With each deep breath we exhale we release toxins and pollution from the body. Conscious breathing is the fundamental connection between body and mind. It is the point where we are able to connect the two. The Soul needs this connection in order to expand.
2011, the year of the Rabbit (yin-metal), is the Springtime of the Soul. We have a wonderful opportunity to experience the emergence of the Soul and rise to a higher vibrational state of being. It is time to re-commit to our physical training through such arts as yoga, tai chi, dance, hiking, martial arts, etc. We must intensify our mental training through meditation as well as a reduction in mental distractions such as television. And we can deepen our breathing training patterns with qigong, pranayama and other breathwork practices. Then we can begin to focus on Soul work.
Soul work is deeply personal and can be quite challenging, especially if we are weak in body or mind. This is why training them is a vital step on the journey forward. Soul work is primarily concerned with our relationship to the self. As we begin to turn our attention inwards, all sorts of barriers appear. These barriers are blocks we have erected within ourselves and must be dealt with before we can go deeper. Barriers may manifest as physical problems or mental difficulties, but these are often just symptoms of issues we have in our Soul. The work can sometimes be a little painful and traumatic. It may feel overwhelming at times, especially without a strong body and mind to support you, but the benefits are real and joyous.
The seed of our Soul can grow vibrant and strong. But first we must process our experiences, heal our wounds and face our fears so that we are able to know ourselves fully and completely. Then we can reach our potential and evolve into better human beings.
It is the Springtime of your Soul, help it to emerge. Give it fertile ground in your body. Water it with the calmness of your mind and breath sunlight into it.
Spring – Wood Element
In Chinese 5 Element theory spring is associated with the element of Wood. Wood energy flow is processed through the liver. The liver is the yin organ that stores blood and facilitates the flow of blood and energy through the body. The liver is responsible for the strength and flexibility of muscles, ligaments and tendons. The gallbladder is the yang organ that balances the liver and is responsible for storing and excreting bile. Cultivating Wood energy can help with subduing anger and irritability as well as banishing indecisiveness. It also helps with blood flow problems.
The increasing power of Wood during the spring season provides us with the ability to recognize our higher purpose in life. Connecting to Wood energy brings us into alignment with nature.
Spring Cleaning for your Liver
After a cold winter it is always beneficial to take care of your liver.
- Drink water 1st thing in the morning – this supports the liver’s natural detoxification process.
- Eat more green vegetables – green is the color associated with the liver and provides chlorophyll, a substance plants use to trap the energy of the sun.
- Avoid refined sugar.
- Eat more sour tasting foods to enhance bile flow.
- Reduce alcohol, nicotine and caffeine consumption to ease the pressure on the liver.
- Schedule time for self-care. Get a massage, take a hot bath, or attend a retreat!
- Remember to Breathe.
Wishing you much peace.
More Wandering Sage Wisdom at http://www.wanderingsagewisdom.blogspot.com Aaron Hoopes has spent 28 years studying and teaching martial arts, tai chi, yoga and meditation. He is the founder of Zen Yoga and the author of five books. He teaches an Online Personal Development Course for Spiritual Deepening and holds retreats at the Ledge End Retreat and Healing Center in the mountains of Vermont. His best-selling Zen Yoga Daily Warm-Up DVD is a simple method for integrating breath and movement into daily life. Please feel free to contact Aaron: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Visit the Zen Yoga Website: http://www.artofzenyoga.com