Welcome to 2025!!!! I don’t know about you, but 2024 was an incredibly interesting year on so many levels.  For me, it was a year of going into a proverbial cave and honoring a pause that my body, mind and spirit much needed.  I have been learning how to set boundaries and to say “no” to things that are not in alignment or are not good for me at the present moment.  As a lifelong people pleaser, you can imagine this exercise has been a challenging one.  I know I am not alone in this feeling. So many of my clients come in absolutely overwhelmed with the events of their lives.  Taking a break isn’t a popular norm in our culture.  We view our worth in how many events we can cram in our calendars, and very seldom do we schedule a break or a pause.  I am learning that the moments of reprieve in our lives can be some of the most beneficial and necessary things we can honor.  No matter how busy you are, I highly recommend taking time to be still, to be by yourself.  There is much wisdom in the silence.

       In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we have entered the season of the water element.  This is the most Yin of the five elements.  When I say this, I mean that it is the most potent time for introspection and reflection.  It’s a powerful time to really dive into who you are and how you want to show up in the world.  Water can be destructive like a Tsunami or as peaceful as a still pool in a meadow.  We also embody similar intensities in our emotional experiences. 

                                                      I will pose a few points for you to reflect on in this season of deep rest and nourishment.

*How do you deal with change and uncertainty?

*What are your deepest anxieties and fears?

*How can you become more Intune with your intuition and emotions?

*What are some ways you can protect yourself emotionally?

*What are some ways of connecting to the water element?

* In what ways can you use water to cleanse and purify your body and energy?

                                       Remember that the human body is made of roughly 60% water!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                How can you support the water element in your body?

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                                          *Love your Kidneys and Bladder! They are the organs associated with the water element.

·                                                                     *  Stay hydrated.

·                                                                      * Add warming spices to your cooking…Cardamom, ginger, garlic.

·                                                                      * Reduce the number of cold foods and beverages and raw foods.  Those delete the water elements energy in the winter.

·                                                                       *Incorporate dark colored berries, root veggies, soups, stews and sea veggies.

·                                                                      * Keep your body warm and covered, especially when outdoors.

·                                                                      * Try doing a yoga flow or Tai Chi class.

·                                                                       * Cultivate inner peace by meditating or praying.

·                                          *Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, Tulsi (holy basil) or ginseng are good for the kidneys

·                                         *Rest, journal, self-care practices.

·                                         *Acupressure/ acupuncture sessions! 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

·                                         *Epsom salt and ginger foot soaks.