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November 2011
Newsletter
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Rhythms of Nature: Winter
Living in harmony with the seasons
By Tania Tyler
We are fortunate to live in our part of the country where
we experience seasonal changes. Observing and living in rhythm with nature
can be beneficial to our health and well-being. Living in harmony with nature
is not a new idea, it is one of the foundations of Traditional Chinese Medicine
(TMC) and was also the basis for health before society became too busy and
stressed to feel the rhythms of their bodies. Fighting or not listening to
our rhythms throws us out of balance into a state of dis-ease.
By observing the changes that take place during the winter
season, maybe we can attune ourselves to a healthier winter. Leaves have fallen
off the trees providing nutrients for the soil, plants pull their sap and nutrients
back into their roots, days are shorter, life slows down, some animals hibernate,
nature withdraws into itself, the earth rests. Winter is a time of regeneration.
Winter should be a time of personal growth, a time to go
within, a restful break, a time to replenish energy for the start of the “growing” season – Spring.
The cold and dampness, a hint to stay home where it is warm and comfortable.
The shorter days that
winter provide should be used as an opportunity to get more rest, sleep and
dreams. Personal growth requires a lot of quiet time and solitude. Solitude
is always an interesting period in our lives. It can be a time of independence,
loneliness or a time of reflection and growth – the choice is ours. Winter
is the time to go within. Time spent alone has the ability to open creativity.
It allows us to become our real selves, true to ourselves. A time to explore
who we really are; our strengths and weaknesses. We are all complete as we
are but we don’t usually realize it. No one can provide true happiness
for another person; that is dependency. True joy and happiness comes
from within when we take the time to be ourselves, to discover who we are.
If we use this quiet time to reflect on the past, but not
cling to it, we are able to see where we were and where we may be heading.
We realize how we’ve
changed, what we’ve learned and how we’ve grown by past experiences.
The biggest steps in our development are created by the hardest lessons of
the past. Recognizing difficult times as just that allows us to release and
forgive, to move on. Obstacles along our path provide a stopping point, a time
to slow down and reflect. We are all give the strength to remove or move around
the obstacle. The past should shape our future, our present, not take away
our potential.
Winter is a time to maintain our exercise routines but maybe
switch them into a gentler direction, more in tune with the body, such as stretching,
yoga, dance, walking, or some of the martial arts. Bodywork such as massage
is beneficial to release stored tensions and relax.
Another not so gentle hint that nature provides for our wellness
is food. Learning to change our diet to match what is available according to
nature is a giant step towards maintaining health. Foods that provide more
energy and heat are necessary during the cold months of winter. Isn’t
it amazing that our freshest vegetables during this season are the root crops
that provide more carbohydrates, fiber and proteins; creating warmth to the
body and regulating digestion when we don’t have the same activity levels?
So, listen to nature, add potatoes, carrots, turnips, onions, beets, squash
and garlic to your meals. Grains, beans and nuts are also fresh during this
season, a good source of fiber, protein and essential fats. Have you noticed that squirrels collect
nuts for the winter?
Herbs and spices should also be added to the diet. Warming
herbs include ginger, garlic, cinnamon, clove, coriander, fennel, fenugreek,
turmeric, cayenne, and cardamom seed. Enjoy them added to soups or other recipes – you’ll
be surprised how they can change the ordinary into something soothing and satisfying.
If you don’t feel too
daring, add a little cinnamon to your chicken breasts next time. Garlic is
great for the immune system. Feeling cold and can’t get warm? Try
a ginger tea or add some of the other warming spices, they increase circulation
and most improve digestion after a meal.
Listen to nature, listen to yourself, feel your rhythm.
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