Alternative fuel sources (for winter)
Ah, yes, the holidays... the baking! The gifting! The merry-making….
….the tired...
I recently had a client articulate her intention for the session thusly:
"I would like to feel more grounded energy ... in a way that isn't just coming from food and drink."
Indeed! It hadn't previously occurred to me that, during this time of year that would otherwise call us to rest and regeneration, we may be drawn to the indulgence of holiday goodies for the purpose of simply keeping our motors going.
Which, as we know, only works to a point.
In almost all other areas of nature, winter is downtime.
Production lines are closed. Hibernation and dormancy are the orders of the day.
But humans, even in a wild setting, have to keep moving no matter the season, lest we starve or freeze. (Or, get stiff and achey :)
We do need energy. Perhaps not to spring clean the house, dig the garden, or travel to favorite vacation spots as the warmer months warrant.
But, to live, and to enjoy living.
Or, at least get up to go to work. And, to stay healthy. In other words, depletion doesn't serve us well. And fuel derived mainly from egg nog and gingerbread will surely have its paybacks.
So, what do we do?
How can we replenish the stores naturally and holistically, and get rest in a practical way while still doing life?
Looking to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Winter is of the Water element.
The Organs regulating this element are the Bladder and Kidneys. These Organs (as differentiated from organs in "western" medicine) deal with core physical energy (or, "jing" in TCM), willpower or impetus.
The symbolic representations of Water are many, but suffice it to say, this element represents the deepest aspects of our physical being: the fluids (as water always sinks to the lowest point), bones and bone marrow and, as mentioned above, our core physical energy needed to move, to act, and also support deep immunity.
As the Kidneys in TCM also include the adrenals, we can see how negative stress and trying to run on willpower alone can deplete our reserves.
If we think of these "Organs" or capacities they represent as the well - the reservoirs which support the activities of other organs now and throughout the year - we can creatively choose appropriate activities to replenish the well, as well as keep the Water moving, lest it stagnate or freeze.
Some ideas:
Movement.
Traditionally, gentler movement is recommended during the colder months, as opposed to heavy-duty, sweat-producing, adrenaline-inducing exercise. Qigong (obviously), Tai Chi, gentle yoga... but especially movements for the back, hips, knees and ankles.
The Bladder meridian runs from the head to the feet, but in particular, along either side of the spine (so, can affect the nervous system), and sometimes Kidney energy can be described as 'stagnating' in the low back and lower body joints, especially after sitting for long periods.
There's a lovely invigoration that comes from freeing up the vertebrae with torso-twisting, ‘Swimming Dragon'-type qigong exercises, ‘Cat-Cow’ moves in yoga, and even dancing (as long as your hips are moving! ;)
Bodywork.
Shiatsu or massage are also good (though not a replacement for D.I.Y. movement ;).
For really low energy, or stiff backs and other joints as a result of lack of movement, or too much movement in the cold (like when shoveling), ginger compresses are awesome.
Relax!
On the flip side, nap when you need to (and are able to!).
Just like thirst lets us know when we're dehydrated, the sleepies let us know when we're hitting "E". (Of course, if this is an ongoing thing, it may be worth exploring for deeper causes...)
Which brings me to acupuncture. After the months of wedding-planning and celebrating was over, several weeks later I came down with a cold (no surprise there), and even after that, just felt tired all the time. One acupuncture treatment to tweak my Kidney Yang and I felt better than I had in a long time. (Disclaimer: results may vary, but it may be worth exploring for you.)
Decluttering.
I don't think I need to say more about that. :)
Clarifying intentions.
Not exactly the same as setting resolutions (which brings us back to that willpower thing, which can be overdone to the point of exhaustion and depletion)... but in a refueling kind of way.
Bladder energy is the impetus, or the drive behind our intentions. Without alignment with purpose (which is a collaboration between the Kidney (core energy) and Heart (where Spirit resides), impetus or drive just become busy-ness... doing a lot of stuff, but with no real fulfillment or sense of satisfaction.
Taking this darker, slower time to go deep, connecting with what really matters to you, what your soul calls for, will give your renewed energy a clearer, more effective path along which to manifest - which feels more like ease and joy, rather than pushing and drudgery.
There are many sources and practices you can refer to.
You can try something as simple as beginning a meditation practice. Or, a journaling practice that starts each day with the questions, "What am I grateful for?" and "How do I want to feel today?"
Or, reading something inspirational. This is a great site, with prayers from many traditions.
Eat nourishing and warming foods.
It's believed in Asian healing that cold drinks and food can deplete Kidney energy, and use up the body's resources for keeping warm. (Yeah, I love my smoothies too... it's a balance...!) Root vegetables, and foods with a salty taste bring warming energy deep into the body, but could also be lightened with small amounts of fresh greens and other vegetables.
If you can't give up your smoothies (like me), there are medicinal herbs, like this company offers*, to help nourish the jing and help rebuild your energy.
In particular, search for “Restore the Jing” extract powder: “Ideal for anyone experiencing fatigue and looking to replenish energy as well as alleviate dryness.”
Keep a little Fire burning.
It's healthy to honor and align with the energy of the season ... in this case, cold, dark, deep, still. But, it can be overdone... especially for the more introverted among us.
Going deep and getting all inward and spiritual is wonderful and necessary, but one can get lost, detached and depressed.
Fire is the element that gets Water moving and transforming. It's the energy of the Heart.
Enjoy times with friends and loved ones that feel supportive and nourishing, make you laugh and feel at ease and inspire you.
It's all about balance, yes?
*My affiliate link disclosure: Links marked with an asterisk (*) mean that I am an affiliate with that company. Any purchases you make using those links will earn me a small commission.
