WINTER 2011-2012

Winter represents the element of water, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Fear is the emotion, dark blue and black are the colors, the kidneys and the bladder are the organ systems. The direction is north, the climate cold, the flavor salty, the sound groaning, and the spiritual resource will power and ambition.

At this time of year we are beginning to slow down and go within. As the days get shorter and the sunlight scarcer, we tend to want to stay home more and become less active. Animals naturally hibernate or are less active in the winter. But humans try to be just as active - who wants to be called lazy?

Certain times of the year can be likened to the principle of yin and yang or male and female. When we sow a seed, we water it, then wait for it to sprout. If we do not have the patience to wait, the seed would never sprout because we would uproot it every day to see how it's doing. Similarly, in winter, we can slow down, wait, and be patient. In waiting and being patient, we allow, instead of wanting to control everything.

Yang or the male principle is active and doing. Yin or the female principle is waiting and being. Waiting and being patient does not mean that we are being weak, although our history has often devalued those qualities. We need both qualities to be balanced, and our culture is beginning to recognize the value of both.

So, winter is an opportune time to allow and let things flow, just like the element of water. Allowing unties the Universe's hands to bring you what you desire. Envision what you want, then let it go and flow. 

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