hostmelissa
03-02-2009, 07:52 PM
By Dr. Melissa West host of Returning to the Body Mind
Wednesdays 8-9 a.m. PST
Today is a beautiful sunny day, and as I prepare to lead a yoga retreat (http://www.melissawest.com/index-10.html) this weekend I am thinking about our connection to the cycles of nature.
Spring is right around the corner. The number of hours of daylight is rapidly augmenting and the strength of the sun is increasing.
Thank God! As all my friends in Canada know, by about March we become extremely frustrated with winter. We start to become irritated by the inertia in our body created from hibernating on the couch. Many people experience depression from the lack of light (SAD) and anxiety over being cooped up indoors.
According to Chinese medical theory, the liver and gallbladder systems are partners, and their energy is most active in the spring. Not surprisingly, liver energy is connected with the emotion of frustration. We are frustrated with winter and we want it to be over.
Since we are affected by the changing seasons our bodies are like a microcosm of nature. Come springtime it is important for us to free up restricted liver energy and the frustration, depression and irritability that accompany it.
Luckily inspiration and flow are a natural part of the spring season. Flowing water is a major theme for spring. As the snow melts, frozen, still water begins to move again. Rivers and streams swell with runoff. We know that April showers bring May flowers. Flowing water is the essence of spring. Likewise our energy can begin to flow again instead of being stored.
Ideally in spring we can experience an outpouring of creativity, productivity and release of negative patterns. Again we can look to nature for hope, optimism, transformation, vision, growth, and renewal as both plants and animals are being birthed and re-birthed. Spring is a metaphor for the beginning of better things. As new life emerges in nature we can experience new beginnings, new ideas and start new projects in the spring.
Spring is an ideal time for a liver cleanse. Vegetables grown in the spring are great for the liver. Try purple sprouting broccoli, asparagus artichoke, beet root, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, cucumber, fennel, watercress amaranth, arugula, collards, endive, spinach, bok choy, and swiss chard.
Yoga can be a great way to cleanse and release emotions. Try apanasana pose. Lie on your back and draw your right knee into the chest. This pose is excellent for digestion and helps to relieve physical and mental constipation.
Breath practice is another important way to release frustration, anger and irritation. Breathe in through the nose. As you breathe in, imagine you are breathing in healing, cleansing white light. As you breathe out release anything that is no longer serving you. You can even use a literal mantra. Breathe in optimism, breathe out frustration.
May spring be a time of growth, renewal and hope for you.
Namaste,
Melissa
If you would like help planning and fulfilling your goals, talk to me about coaching (http://www.melissawest.com/index-2.html).
My yoga detox DVD (http://www.melissawest.com/index-16.html) is a great way to welcome spring.
Wednesdays 8-9 a.m. PST
Today is a beautiful sunny day, and as I prepare to lead a yoga retreat (http://www.melissawest.com/index-10.html) this weekend I am thinking about our connection to the cycles of nature.
Spring is right around the corner. The number of hours of daylight is rapidly augmenting and the strength of the sun is increasing.
Thank God! As all my friends in Canada know, by about March we become extremely frustrated with winter. We start to become irritated by the inertia in our body created from hibernating on the couch. Many people experience depression from the lack of light (SAD) and anxiety over being cooped up indoors.
According to Chinese medical theory, the liver and gallbladder systems are partners, and their energy is most active in the spring. Not surprisingly, liver energy is connected with the emotion of frustration. We are frustrated with winter and we want it to be over.
Since we are affected by the changing seasons our bodies are like a microcosm of nature. Come springtime it is important for us to free up restricted liver energy and the frustration, depression and irritability that accompany it.
Luckily inspiration and flow are a natural part of the spring season. Flowing water is a major theme for spring. As the snow melts, frozen, still water begins to move again. Rivers and streams swell with runoff. We know that April showers bring May flowers. Flowing water is the essence of spring. Likewise our energy can begin to flow again instead of being stored.
Ideally in spring we can experience an outpouring of creativity, productivity and release of negative patterns. Again we can look to nature for hope, optimism, transformation, vision, growth, and renewal as both plants and animals are being birthed and re-birthed. Spring is a metaphor for the beginning of better things. As new life emerges in nature we can experience new beginnings, new ideas and start new projects in the spring.
Spring is an ideal time for a liver cleanse. Vegetables grown in the spring are great for the liver. Try purple sprouting broccoli, asparagus artichoke, beet root, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, cucumber, fennel, watercress amaranth, arugula, collards, endive, spinach, bok choy, and swiss chard.
Yoga can be a great way to cleanse and release emotions. Try apanasana pose. Lie on your back and draw your right knee into the chest. This pose is excellent for digestion and helps to relieve physical and mental constipation.
Breath practice is another important way to release frustration, anger and irritation. Breathe in through the nose. As you breathe in, imagine you are breathing in healing, cleansing white light. As you breathe out release anything that is no longer serving you. You can even use a literal mantra. Breathe in optimism, breathe out frustration.
May spring be a time of growth, renewal and hope for you.
Namaste,
Melissa
If you would like help planning and fulfilling your goals, talk to me about coaching (http://www.melissawest.com/index-2.html).
My yoga detox DVD (http://www.melissawest.com/index-16.html) is a great way to welcome spring.