A short note about spring
Some brief words on a brief season
I have struggled for the past few weeks to write a post about springtime for my series on seasonal living. Perhaps this is because where I live spring comes and goes rather quickly, and it’s tough to connect with it as its own, distinct season. In the Arctic, what we call spring is fleeting moment between winter and summer, which is usually never longer than a few weeks. But because in Tromsø we had our first warm day last Friday, and almost all the snow has melted (although it snowed again today), I think I can safely say that what I am now experiencing is spring.
In Chinese Five Element theory, spring is associated with the Wood element. Wood represents the dynamics of growth and expansion. As the days become more and more filled with light, it’s natural to start turning our attention outward — whether it be towards our gardens, our social lives, or other projects. However, excessive growth and outward focus has a darkside, and if we find ourselves overdoing it (as is common in the modern west where Wood energy is already predominate) we can fall into emotional patterns of anger, impatience, and frustration. If you find yourself tipping too far in that direction every spring, then I suggest gently opposing the energy of the season instead of “leaning into it” by carving out some time for rest and solitude. Yoga nidra, yin yoga, guided relaxation, or other practices that turn your attention inward are particularly helpful for this.
Physically, the Wood element is associated with the liver and gallbladder in both Traditional (TCM) and Classical Chinese medicine. Bile is made by the liver and stored in gallbladder, which aids in the process of chemical digestion. The liver also breaks down harmful substances and affects other aspects of the blood — it stores iron, produces certain proteins for the blood, and regulates blood sugar. According to Chinese medicine theories of the organs, the liver is responsible for the smooth circulation of blood and qi (subtle energy) and if it is out of balance it can be responsible for headaches, mood swings, indigestion, irritation/inflammation, tendonitis, menstrual irregularities, and insomnia. Mindful exercise that involves some strengthening, cardio, and stretching (like yoga or pilates) is a great natural way to balance the energetics of the liver. If this is not enough, acupuncture and herbal medicine can also go a long way.
In Ayurveda (and Sowa Rigpa), spring is usually the time of year when Kapha (beken) is out of balance. This dosha (nyepa) starts to become imbalanced in the winter and health problems stemming from this imbalance are said to manifest in the spring. Since kapha is the heaviest dosha, imbalance is usually associated with congestion, indigestion, water retention, and sleep issues. Eating light, dry, and warm foods can help put this dosha back into balance, as can dry brushing and massage, which help with circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Perhaps where you live, spring has been underway for a while. I hope wherever you are that you take the next month to enjoy the sunshine, flowers, and springtime energy!