Spring can be a time to clear space for new ideas, new relationships and new possibilities. A desire to move forward, and make changes becomes stronger this time of year. It also brings clarity in our vision, as we start looking ahead to new possibilities.  Begin this fresh start by breathing deeply and enjoying the gentle, warm, sunny days no matter how few and far apart they may seem. 

In spring, we experience both emotional and physical flexibility in body and mind.  This element is associated with our muscle tissue, tendons and nervous system. Stretching is crucial as we feel a greater need to be outside and a general need to move out of the winter doldrums. Spring is a good time to look at old patterns and habits that no longer serve well and begin to ponder life without these aspects. Remember to be gentle and have mercy with anything that’s new and fragile both inside and outside ourselves. Harmony and gentleness are the key words here. This attitude includes our attachment with the “old used up no longer any use to us” habits. Harsh movement towards any change can bring dis-harmony and strife to our being. 

The color is green, and the taste is sour. Anger is the emotion of the Wood element; an imbalance of this can bring dis-ease to the Liver and Gall Bladder as they are the organs associated with the Wood element. This makes spring cleansing important to clear the heaviness of our thoughts and in our body left behind during winter. Cleansing only means to get rid of excess waste within the body and vital organs. Cleansing bring clarity of thinking, makes the vital organs function smoother, and promotes a general sense of well being and lightness. One can begin with simply fasting between the hours of 6 pm and 6 am. Another simple way is get rid of all processed foods and condiments. Whole foods, home cooked, fresh vegetables, and grains are a good way to start.  Basically, if it rots its probably good for you. 

The release of tears is quite common during spring. These tears are more tears of frustration than sadness. Tears seem to come out of nowhere and finish just a quick, like flash floods are to the Earth. A quick way to bring balance back into the Wood element is laughter.  

Walk with gentleness and purpose, pause to ponder, show kindness and smile- even if you don’t feel like it. It’s the quickest way to uplift your spirit.

Earth