As winter moves into full swing, it's important for us to align ourselves with what is happening in nature. One way to do this is to explore our relationship with the world around us via the Five Elements Theory.

Five elements theory began with the ancient Chinese calendar, where five types of energies were assigned to different days, months, and years. The energies were given the names of five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Human relationships to the cycles of the day, seasons, and moon were of interest to traditional Chinese healers, as well, and five elements theory became a fundamental part of traditional healing. The principles of the five elements became widespread and are fundamental in practices such as acupuncture, feng shui, shiatsu, qi gong, astrology, and healing through foods. 

 

In five elements theory, winter is the time for the water element. It is also the time of hibernation, and embodies a sense of going inward, of reassuring our selves that all is well. When the winter snow falls, it helps to contain our journey of inner travel. Although, it seems unlikely at this point that we may even see snow this winter! Other ways to align with water include meditation, reading, or simply stillness.  

 

You can experience stillness any evening when you step outside into nature and gaze at at the stars in a clear sky and the universe that surrounds you. You may become deeply aware of yourself, and yet at the same time conscious of the vastness of the cosmos. You may experience a stillness, peace, and tranquility, or reveal a new perspective on a particular problem. Another way to experience water element in winter, if you happen to travel to the ocean, is to take some time to sit and experience the depth of the ocean, tapping in to the essence of the water element.  

 

All of us contain the five elements within and when we can take time to feel them, we align ourselves with the cycles of nature and beyond.  

 

Happy Winter! 

 

Namaste, 

Anisha