Winter Solstice: The Critical Pivot Of Nature
The Winter Solstice tradition involves burning old grievances and welcoming new dreams around a bonfire. The pivot from the setting sun’s energy to the rising sun’s energy is emphasized, highlighting the importance of moving from darkness to light. Understanding the Gallbladder system’s role in physical and emotional flexibility is crucial for embracing change.
Getting to the Root
Solar Term 21 | Dec 6 – Dec 20 Low Expectations It was a grey day, windy and cold, with just a dusting of snow on top of ice. It was the kind of day where it was hard to be outside. Even walking was a challenge on the trail after being beaten up with […]
The Balance of Happiness and Suffering
The Alpine cold arrived early this year. A couple of weeks in, and my clinic is busy. Some days the waitlist is 1, 3, or even 5 people. There are voicemail messages from people seeking relief from pain, speaking with tight voices from holding back tears. Loved ones are dying. Joints are aching. Cancer is […]
Winter Reflection in the Light of the Moon
Solar Term 19 | November 7 – November 21 Moon Light and Moon Shadow The short days of November catch me off guard. Most nights, we walk the dogs after dark, lighting the way with headlamps and reflective collars. As we walk, I am aware that the small circle of light produced by the headlamp […]
Transforming Grief and Letting Go
Solar Term 18 | October 21 – November 7 There is land behind my house that needs attention. Every day I walk past, trying to create a vision of its potential. It’s been neglected for so long that it feels downtrodden. I walk through the plants pulling invasive weeds, inspecting the earth, and thinking of […]
Powering Down: Dusk, Sleep, and the Autumn Equinox
Solar Term 16 | September 22 – October 7 Night comes quickly this time of year. In a blink of an eye, the light turns from dusk to night. One evening I paused to watch the light fade. As my vision dulled from the low light, I felt myself shift. My ears opened to the […]
Cooling Down to Become Calm, Focused, and Energized
Solar Term 15 | September 7 – September 22 White Dew Each morning when I step outside, I wonder what nature will bring me. Sometimes it’s a subtle difference in light and temperature. Other times it is pretty unique – glittery frost, a beautiful sunrise, or a buck running across the field. Last week it […]
Creating Order from Chaos
Solar Term 14 | August 22 – Sept 6 Chaos Making sense of things is one reason why I started paying attention to the way Nature shows up in ourselves. Life can be very disorienting at times and I was looking for a place to orient in order to create a sense of order in […]
Between the Shadow and the Soul
Solar Term 12 | July 22 – August 6 I don’t tolerate the heat very well. As the days get hotter I seek higher and higher altitudes to escape the heat. This week I was fortunate to spend time in the high mountains riding my mountain bike through alpine meadows filled with blooming wild flowers, […]
How Listening Heals your Digestion
Solar Term 11 | July 6 – July 21 When people ask you about your happy place, what comes to mind? Take a moment to visit it in your mind’s eye. What qualities does it bring up in you? My happy place is a spot by the Methow River in Washington State. What first comes […]