(15 min CLASS) Seasonal Living for December w/ Sophia Bouwens

In this video, Sophia talks about the seasonal harmony we can gain with winter with relation to the 5-element theory. Diving deeply into reflecting on the element of water, and what it means to be entering the time of peak yin, Kidney, and the water element in the year.

ELEMENT: water
ORGAN: Kidney
EMOTION: fear

As we approach winter solstice, the darkest day of the year, we are in the energy of greatest yin. This is the time of the year we are called to stillness and to reflect on ourselves. We are invited to do our deepest work, so we can embody the changes we wish to see and create in the world around us.

This is a time to observe, rest, and rejuvenate.

Winter serves us when we can drop into a more "yin" state in our lives; taking pause to tend to our deepest source so that we can go forward into the world and accomplish what we set out to do. This is because the Kidney, from the Chinese medicine perspective, governs our reproduction, our bones, our nervous system, and our DNA. The Kidney system is our "seed of life", and our deepest source energy. Coming into balance with the Kidney season, or the water element, means coming into balance with our truest, deepest, and most intimate selves.

Drawing on metaphors from nature, Sophia delves into how to live in harmony with winter through inner reflection and connecting to our core values. This yin season calls us to work on our inner world and is supported through mindfulness and body practices, establishing a rhythm of rest, using sound to draw us inward, regulating our sleep, and eating nourishing foods to support our Kidney energy in this season.

Embodiment:

INTIMACY:

Because the Kidney system has a strong correlation with our hormonal cycles and our life-force energy (essence), the winter season is a welcome time to foster intimacy - whether that be physically, relationally, emotionally, or sexually. The winter season is a time for the inward work of connection, intimacy, and relationship with ourselves and the world around us. Things like journaling, poetry, nourishing foods, physical connection, and inner reflection are welcome activities to be engaging in during this season.

RECEPTIVITY:

The yin time of year is a time of passive energy, and about analyzing our dynamic and energy around receiving. Guard with wisdom what you give forward and put into "gifts" or contributions. Work to guard your energy around what you give - whether it be a true gift, or how you show up in life, and make sure you're not over-extending yourself but rather giving from a place of groundedness.

REST:

Guard not only the energy you give to the world, but that you are taking the time and intention to be building in rest, rejuvenation, and replenishment into your life. Because of this, the winter season is one of the most important times to focus on sleep cycles.

Suggestions

FOODS

Warm, cooked foods to guard digestive system from the cold.

Bone broth
Squash
Sweet potatoes
Black beans
Legumes
Fats
Proteins
Root vegetables
Salty foods

ACTIVITIES

Stillness, reflection, deep observation within yourself and the world around you.

Journaling/reflection
Naps
Cozying up by the fire
Poetry
Physical connection
Yin Yoga
Sauna
Yoga nidra

MEET YOUR TEACHER

Sophia Bouwens, L.Ac, is a Neurological Acupuncturist and Traumatic Brain Injury survivor who is on a mission to help others heal and empower their nervous system and bodies. She uses a unique integration of Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture and Functional Neurology to produce profound effects and positive changes in brain function and body connection.

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