In Chinese Medicine, Spring is the season in which the Wood Element dominates. Part of the five elements whose movements and interactions generate life and govern it's cycles, the wood element has particular vigor and energy. Think of the vital impulse that lies behind the germination and emergence of seeds. The vitality that is required to push against the resistance of compacted soil, work its way up around rocks and brick to burst forth into the light which is the source of life and growth. This energy is also available to us if we know how to access it.
In addition to doing a detox diet or more involved protocol, energy practices are also very powerful and easy to implement.
One of my favorite exercises is to be outside in a natural place when the buds on the trees are first emerging. Seat your self on the earth near a tree, be comfortable on something like a wool blanket or a rug so the damp and cold do not enter your body or distract you with feeling chilled.
Ground yourself, becoming aware of the weight of your body on the earth, the steady rhythm of your breath. Become aware of the tree, it's presence and spatial dimensions. Breathing into your heart, awaken a sense of gratitude and love for this life form with which we have a symbiotic relationship. The carbon dioxide we exhale, trees and plants need to live. The oxygen they transpire through their leaves, we require for life. Allow yourself to experience this reality for a few breath cycles.
Bring your awareness to the vitality of the branches and the green buds upon them. They emit a signature of energy that is perceptible, imagine that you are receiving it into your auric field, your are enlivened and quickened by this force of life, this Viriditas, or greening power, ( Hildegard von Bingen). Let your self be inspired, renewed by this rush of vital energy.
Close your exercise with acknowledgement to the tree for it's gift to you, be grateful for life and the beauty of our earth.
You may practice this exercise daily, and remember there is short window of time when the trees are budding, enjoy this precious and fleeting energetic elixir!
