We are fortunate
to live in our part of the country where we
experience seasonal changes. Observing and
living in rhythm with nature can be beneficial
to our health and well-being. Living in
harmony with nature is not a new idea, it is one
of the foundations of Traditional Chinese
Medicine (TMC) and was also the basis for health
before society became too busy and stressed to
feel the rhythms of their bodies. Fighting
or not listening to our rhythms throws us out of
balance into a state of dis-ease.
By observing the
changes that take place during the winter
season, maybe we can attune ourselves to a
healthier winter. Leaves have fallen off
the trees providing nutrients for the soil,
plants pull their sap and nutrients back into
their roots, days are shorter, life slows down,
some animals hibernate, nature withdraws into
itself, the earth rests. Winter is a time
of regeneration.
Winter should be
a time of personal growth, a time to go within,
a restful break, a time to replenish energy for
the start of the “growing” season – Spring.
The cold and dampness, a hint to stay home where
it is warm and comfortable.
The shorter days
that winter provide should be used as an
opportunity to get more rest, sleep and dreams.
Personal growth requires a lot of quiet time
and solitude. Solitude is always an
interesting period in our lives. It can be
a time of independence, loneliness or a time of
reflection and growth – the choice is ours.
Winter is the time to go within. Time
spent alone has the ability to open creativity.
It allows us to become our real selves, true to
ourselves. A time to explore who we really
are; our strengths and weaknesses. We are
all complete as we are but we don’t usually
realize it. No one can provide true
happiness for another person; that is
dependency. True joy and happiness comes
from within when we take the time to be
ourselves, to discover who we are.
If we use this
quiet time to reflect on the past, but not cling
to it, we are able to see where we were and
where we may be heading. We realize how
we’ve changed, what we’ve learned and how we’ve
grown by past experiences. The biggest
steps in our development are created by the
hardest lessons of the past. Recognizing
difficult times as just that allows us to
release and forgive, to move on. Obstacles
along our path provide a stopping point, a time
to slow down and reflect. We are all give
the strength to remove or move around the
obstacle. The past should shape our
future, our present, not take away our
potential.
Winter is a time
to maintain our exercise routines but maybe
switch them into a gentler direction, more in
tune with the body, such as stretching, yoga,
dance, walking, or some of the martial arts.
Bodywork such as massage is beneficial to
release stored tensions and relax.
Another not so
gentle hint that nature provides for our
wellness is food. Learning to change our
diet to match what is available according to
nature is a giant step towards maintaining
health. Foods that provide more energy and
heat are necessary during the cold months of
winter. Isn’t it amazing that our freshest
vegetables during this season are the root crops
that provide more carbohydrates, fiber and
proteins; creating warmth to the body and
regulating digestion when we don’t have the same
activity levels? So, listen to nature, add
potatoes, carrots, turnips, onions, beets,
squash and garlic to your meals. Grains,
beans and nuts are also fresh during this
season, a good source of fiber, protein and
essential fats. Have you noticed that
squirrels collect nuts for the winter?
Herbs and spices
should also be added to the diet. Warming
herbs include ginger, garlic, cinnamon, clove,
coriander, fennel, fenugreek, turmeric, cayenne,
and cardamom seed. Enjoy them added to soups or
other recipes – you’ll be surprised how they can
change the ordinary into something soothing and
satisfying. If you don’t feel too daring,
add a little cinnamon to your chicken breasts
next time. Garlic is great for the immune
system. Feeling cold and can’t get warm?
Try a ginger tea or add some of the other
warming spices, they increase circulation and
most improve digestion after a meal.
Listen to
nature, listen to yourself, feel your rhythm.
