The Energy of Springtime  

       Spring is time for things that have been germinating and gestating, hidden and gathering power through the cold and quiet winter, to burst forth, take form and assert themselves.  So it goes with our plans and aspirations - this is the time when the unformed idea begins to take on shape and detail.  We hone our vision, focus our energy, make decisions and take action.  When the inevitable obstacles arise, we stay rooted in our mission while remaining flexible and seeking a new path, just as shoots of grass seek out the cracks in the sidewalk in order to keep reaching for the sun.  When the winds of change blow through our lives, we stay rooted in who we are and bend gracefully to accommodate their force.  Once the gale has died down, we spring back upright and resume growing in our chosen direction, just like those same blades of grass adapting to the winds.

        If our own, internal springtime energy is strong, then creative flow and adapting to change will come easily to us.  However, if our springtime energy is out of balance, we may lack vision and focus or we may lack the decisiveness and firmness of purpose to achieve our vision.  We may be thrown off by changes and obstacles, either becoming rigid and angry when things do not go according to plan or feeling so hopeless and frustrated that we give up on our goals.

       Here are some ways to bring your springtime energy into balance:

       1)  Find a new project or hobby that gets your creative juices flowing.   

       2) Get some exercise to keep the energy flowing smoothly throughout your body -walking, yoga, t'ai chi, qi gong, dance, martial arts, and competitive sports are all great choices.  

       3) Enjoy fresh seasonal produce, particularly the greens, which help clean out our Livers after the heavier foods of winter.  Sour foods like lemons, limes, low-sugar yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut also support our springtime energy when eaten in moderate amounts.  

       4) Bring more green into your life.  You can eat greens, wear green, decorate with green, go for a walk through a green landscape, bring houseplants into your home, arrange flowers, plant a tree, or work in a garden.

       5) If you find yourself getting angry or irritated, ask yourself, "What is it that I want to see change here?  What can I do to promote that change?"  By re-orienting yourself to your mission and finding an effective outlet, you will make much better use of the creative force behind your anger.

       6) Take this season as an opportunity to examine what you would like to change in your life.  Make a plan and start putting the steps in action.  

This is an excerpt from an article written by Kate Quinn Stewart, acupuncturist at The Teal Center. To read the entire article click here