Dear Friends and Family,
Spring is here! As the days become longer, warmer and brighter, nature wakes from her winter slumber and looks ahead to abundant new growth in spring. This is the time to come out and shine; to dance to sing, to play and to rejoice.
Spring is Nature’s birthing season, and the time to plant seeds for the fall harvest. It is a time of creation; making plans, decisions and taking action with a clear vision and a sense of purpose.
The seeds we nurtured in body, mind and spirit throughout the winter will bloom with fresh inspiration and a spark of energy, allowing us to act upon our ideas, goals and dreams.
Nature awakens in her green flowering beauty. New growth in our lives, relationships and in our work is stimulated now as we have the opportunity to flourish in this season of new beginnings.
Spring is a great time to make plans for moving forward. What do we need to clear out of our environment and what do we need to release from within ourselves? What do we want to create? It is a fresh start where our dreams can blossom into reality.
In the Chinese System of the Five Elements, the spring season is the Wood element, which guides the liver and gallbladder. The Wood element relates to the roots and limbs of trees and plants in nature and the spine, limbs and joints in our bodies.
Imbalances of the liver and gallbladder often appear with symptoms of weakness and or pain in our joints, tendons and ligaments. Acupuncture and massage can support our bodies and emotions during this transition.
Walking outside, deep breathing, yoga and gentle stretching is very beneficial for these physical structures that support us and also aids in the release of toxins from our bodies, especially when we work up a sweat!
Anger, irritability, depression and indecision are the emotions of the liver and gallbladder. An imbalance of these organs can cause these emotions to get stuck and to build up or come out in anger. All of our emotions are a natural part of us, they just need to flow and cycle through us with a supportive, positive outlook for release.
If any of these emotions are coming up for you, it is a good time to gently process them out through journaling, guided meditation (I love the Oprah/Deepak 21 Day meditations on line) and prayer. Getting support from a friend, family member or a counselor can also be helpful.
Green is the color of the Wood element and sour is the flavor or taste. It is good to eat some sour foods such as lemons, olives, tart apples and grapefruit as well as dark leafy greens such as arugula, kale, spinach, chard and cilantro in a salad, gently sauteed or lightly steamed with lemon, olive oil and sea salt.
Green vegetable juices with a little apple and lemon are a great way to support the liver in its spring cleansing, and fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, kombucha, kefir and miso, also support the liver with increased healthy bacterial flora. Spring is a great time of year to add lemon to your purified drinking water and to increase green tea and decrease caffeine.
In the Chinese 24 hour clock, 11:00 PM-1:00 AM is the time of the gallbladder so we want to be sound asleep by this time to allow the gallbladder to rest and recover. 1:00-3:00 AM is the time of the liver and if we find ourselves waking at this time the liver may be over worked and stressed out with its numerous jobs of detoxification, as well as fat and hormone metabolism.
Each spring brings us an opportunity to start anew. It is the optimal time for cleansing and rejuvenating the liver, allowing for greater energy, deeper sleep, improved mental clarity, enhanced sex drive and a deeper enjoyment of our lives.
The first official day of spring is March 21 on the spring equinox. There is a 2-week transition period from winter to spring that begins March 7th. This is the best time for some cleansing and clearing in our body, mind, emotions and environment.
Lets spring forward together, creating Vibrant Health by combining new, fresh and healthy food, thoughts and habits!
By taking care of what we eat, how we exercise, treating ourselves with loving kindness and choosing ways to relieve stress and tension from our lives, we will create more health, happiness and harmony.
Join me on my Spring Refresh Nourish and Flourish 21 day program to clear, clean and restore your body, mind and spirit. Your inner radiance will shine through your glowing skin, bright eyes, shiny hair and overflowing energy.
Click here to get started.
Click here or more information on how Vibrant Living in Harmony can enhance your life.
Visit my blog to learn more about the seasons and how they relate to your body, mind and emotions.
With love, light and blessings of spring,
Lisa