(12 min CLASS) Seasonal Living for November w/ Sophia Bouwens

November starts the season of winter in the Traditional Chinese 5-Element calendar. Winter brings with it a deep-dive into the yin part of the year, as we move toward the time of peak yin at the Winter Solstice in December.

ELEMENT: water
ORGAN: kidney
EMOTION: fear

Winter pertains to the element of water. In winter, we look to the element of water to guide us in our behavior. Water is a powerful, foundational, and passive energy. Water is adapting - constantly changing its shape, state, and actions in relation to its surrounding environment.

Water and winter also correspond with the organ of the kidney. Like water, the kidneys are a strong life-driving force in our bodies - the kidney system governs our nervous system, our hormones, as well as our growth, development and aging over our life cycle. Much like water, the kidneys are foundational to our life-force energy, and feed every other system in our bodies.

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
Salty foods

ACTIVITIES

Inward work of connection, intimacy, and reflection

Journaling/reflection
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.

Learn more