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| Photo by Sarah McMurray |
Chinese
Medicine is based very much in the natural elements of our World. This way of looking at life can cross the
boundaries into any culture, religion, and way of life because it is what we
physically live in - nature. The five elements illustrate the
movement of life, all of which we are a part of. These elements - Wood, Fire,
Earth, Metal, and Water - are represented in each of us. However, one element
tends to guide us most. Examples of what each element embodies are seen through
color, seasons, movement, aroma, and emotions. Which one resonates most with
you?
Wood
Imagine the springtime - everything
is suddenly alive! What stands out to you after a long winter over the barren
land? Is it the sudden vibrant burst of blossoming trees and flowers of every
color imaginable accented by the emerald green background and sharp smell of
new growth? Do new ideas come to mind in how to accomplish your desires and
needs? The gifts of this element; clarity, vision, and creativity; give rise to
how to move onward and upward with life. How will you frame and design your
life’s path?
Fire
Ahhh Summer... A time for friends
gathering together. Or the offerings of summer may be cuddling in the arms of a
loved one and giggling about shared memories on the porch as fireflies light up
the sultry evening sky. Both scenes bring up the gifts of this element -
partnership, passion, and love. Are you aware of how everything is connected?
This element reminds us of the relationship of everything that passes through
our lives. Do you know this interconnectedness with yourself to the one sitting
beside you - and to the world?
Earth
There are five seasons in Chinese
Medicine. Late summer is the additional one. Yet, this season is still quite
known to us. Outside it is humid and dense. It is the time of the first
harvest. When all that you have been working for bares fruit. The gifts of both
Earth and mother are synonymous in that they bring forth and nurture all we
have sown to move forward through life. What do your thoughts turn to when you
seek sustenance? How can you ripen and then harvest your greatest needs?
Metal
The crisp, pureness of autumn... A
brown leaf crinkling in the wind... Grief in letting go. The breath outward ~
inward to the vast space of self’s’ residence. A time of recognition. The gifts
of this element are found in the space created through surrender and release.
As you fall into the temple of self ask - “Is there anything I can let go of?
Can I learn from the gems that remain?”
Water
Winter... ssshhhhh... Snow falls
silently. The barren landscape conceals the depths below where much waits to
happen. Winter’s truth is in not rushing around as we often do but in being
still, quiet, and restful. This is the time within. Perhaps much seems unknown
and fearful as we wait. The gifts of this element lay in the depths of darkness
where knowledge can become known. Here is where we can explore, reflect, and
find our true self. This time of peace can you rest in your deep self
courageously and find your own inner light to guide you onward - and soon
upward into spring?
This is a way of looking at life
through cycles. It is very healing as
you begin to identify with yourself in this deep way. Sometimes just getting
outside and taking a walk is the BEST thing you can do, or try turning the t.v.
or music off while you wash dishes or do housework so you can listen to the
quiet for a few minutes, or maybe call your best friend and have a real heart
to heart with them, or maybe just maybe write your story of who you are and
where you hope to go would help bring healing answers. Anything you do differently then you usually
do will open a new door to exploring your elements of who you truly are. You never know what may come tumbling out.
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