“‘Being’ means evicting everyone from your inner core, so all that’s left is you. When only you remain, you begin to live as you and not live for the tenants you housed in your core. “
The beginning of Spring has been interesting. Honestly, it always is. She presents herself towards the end of winter just enough to make many anxious for warmer weather. Then, she’s gone. Wait, no; she’s back – no, she’s gone again.
Many of us have experienced our mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional states doing the same thing. One minute I’m out of bed and ready to conquer my day, and the next minute (literally sixty seconds later), I feel all of the frustration and harshly judge myself or someone else for a minor thing. Of course, these emotions and judgments are created thanks to an existing base, and Spring Equinox amplifies ALL the things.
You’ve probably felt anxiety, frustration, quick to anger, stiff and tight muscles, judgmental, and the lack of motivation to engage in the things that usually rescue you from your funk. This is no coincidence. As beautiful spring rolls in, she brings awakening, surrendering, and Being. Many of us are called to do one or all of those things during Spring and the Spring Equinox.
Surrendering – Energy may feel heavy, constricting, and suffocating right now. No matter how much you try to conquer your day or situation, you see it hovering over you until your submission – until your surrender. Then you begin to understand there is no Conquering the day or problem – instead, there is surrendering to it. Think of a situation you are currently in or someone you give so much of your energy to that it depletes you of everything. Now, think of your life without the need to control that situation or person. What do you see? What do you feel?
Awakening – Now it seems when people hear “Awakening,” they believe you are awakening to the energy around you and becoming aware of things outside of yourself like government actions, other people, and situations. But really, awakening is going within and discovering yourself. When you go within, you understand others around you and continue to do inner work for further understanding. The goal is Love for yourself and others around you – not to become awakened to dwell in anger. Use Love to push forward and encourage others to do so by your action of living within Love.
Being – Most people feel that “Being” is to be in the here and now – focus on this moment and nothing else. It is about being in the moment, but it is not the only thing. “Being” means to Be – it means to live as who you are. It means evicting everyone from your inner core, so all that’s left is you. When only you remain, you begin to live as you and not live for the tenants you housed in your core.
Why do we feel so frustrated, angry, and antsy during spring?
Traditional Chinese Medicine theory links the energy of spring to the liver and relates the liver to frustration, anger, and judgment. In the winter, just like nature, our body’s energy recedes to the core to protect it from the cold that would deplete it. In nature, the leaves fall due to the energy of the tree receding to the center – there is no supply feeding the leaves. What are we doing in winter? We also begin to stay inside more, keep warm, and consume warming foods. When spring comes along, the tree’s energy supply spreads through the trunk and branches, encouraging its buds to bloom. What are we doing in spring? Yes, the same thing. Our energy wants to spread and rise, and we have to let this energy take place. At the same time, when nature returns to winter-like temperatures, our bodies will do the same, which we should respect.
So, right now, we feel that energy spreading and rising, and then we feel it receding – encouraging agitated emotions and the physical body.
How do we step aside and let this energy take place?
- Stop trying to Conquer – surrender yourself to your day, life, or situation. This does not mean doing nothing because you are powerless; it means understanding where you have control. And understand that your control in certain areas is just a fantasy – let go and let it flow.
- Cry – when we harbor and bury our emotions, this harms the liver and creates stagnation. A good cry will encourage liver qi to move.
- Practice being – Practice being yourself completely, whatever that looks like for you. Take little steps. You could start by evicting people from your core and thinking as you are. Then you can begin doing as you are.
- Drink water with lemon – water will help your body eliminate harmful toxins. Lemon will also help the liver.
- Get a massage, craniosacral therapy, or shamanic healing session – This movement will help the body detox toxins we’ve consumed physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
- Go for a hike – Get your body moving to support the energy spread.
- Watch nature – get encouraged on how to allow this yang energy to spread.
- Close your eyes and breathe – write down old patterns, situations, or people you want to release. Write down new practices you would like to create.
The next time you catch yourself harshly judging yourself or someone else during this time, think about what season we’re in. But remember, those emotions are created from an established base, and this is a perfect time to understand that base. Help release the stagnant energy and emotions that have accumulated within you so you can enjoy your spring!
EricaChinise
Erica Chinise Art 