(17 min CLASS) Seasonal Living for March w/ Sophia Bouwens

As we approach the equinox, our bodies and natural rhythms are working to transform deep Yin energy to bright Yang energy. Yin is denser, nourishing, and under the surface. Transforming it to Yang means creating new life with this energy to see the full manifestation of our deepest creative energies come to fruition.

ELEMENT: Wood
ORGAN: Liver
EMOTION: anger, frustration, irritability

Drawing on wisdom from Chinese Classical Texts as well as modern neuroscience, Sophia discusses the importance of regulating our eating times, our times of daily activities and workouts, as well as our sleep cycles in order to help better balance our autonomic nervous system. Bringing coherence to our inner and outer world through regulating rhythms of daily activity, and getting in-touch with our heart-space energy can help us to maximize the creative potential of this time of the year.

The Wood season is a season of great change, and great potential. It can be a time of uncovering, opening and shifting. It is in the "in between" phase of both Yin and Yang. In this, we have great potential for new life to take root, but also great potential for frustration stemming the less polarized clarity that comes from being "both but neither". Being neither Yin, nor Yang, but right in between the two as we approach the equinox, it is a place of endless possibility, but can be a bit disorienting without the clarity in identity that polarization can offer.

This video provides guidance, perspective and practical things we can do to understand how to bring harmony to ourselves in this season, and maximize the growth of Wood this Spring.

Embodiment

Sophia discusses a breathing exercise that can help us physically transform the deep, Jing energy of the Yin season into Yang energy, or Qi. Using the breath to connect with our deep Jing energy (the most Yin energy we have) through deep belly breathing, we can bring it up to the heart and beyond can transform our Yin energies into Yang energies. These Yang energies bring a brightness to our lives that can bring us mental clarity, rejuvenation, and invigorate us to work through our new creations that are sprouting around us this season!

To foster a synergy with the seasonal change of this time of year, morning walks can be very powerful. Main message - get outside right away in the morning! Even if it’s just stepping outside for a few deep breaths, let your system literally sync with the earth elements outside.

Reflection Questions

Where and how can I bring more order and rhythm into my life?
What needs to be cleared in the metaphorical landscape of the soil of my life for the sprouts that are coming through to have more space and support?
What am I choosing to focus my energy on? How does what I’m focusing on have an impact on the creations that are blossoming from within me?

Suggestions

FOODS

Still eat warm foods, but start to introduce freshness. Think crunchy!

Baby greens
Sprouts
Celery
Carrots
Chips
Vinegar
Lemon
Citrus

ACTIVITIES

Key word: Movement

Breathwork
Shoulder Stretching
Dance
Cardio
Tai Chi
Vinyasa Yoga
Running
Morning walks!

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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