The Wood Element

WOOD is Spring….

In Chinese Medicine, The Wood element is associated with the season of spring, and the energy of spring embodies growth. There is a palpable energy of rising up and spreading out. A time when all of nature is awakening. The same energy that pushes the crocuses up through the snow and the dandelions through the sidewalk cracks, is moving through all of life at this time - including you!

Rejoice in the spring energy, of movement, new life, new beginnings, of creation, plans, hopes and dreams.

The winter’s yin energy of internal quiet, restoration and solitude are all transforming into action. Spring is the time when the sap starts rising and the birds begin their long migrations. When newly awakened hopes and dreams that have been held dormant like seeds under frozen ground begin to thaw and awaken. The smells of spring bring our senses alive, and it is an opportune time to bring what is coming alive in you, out into the world!

What plans, hopes, dreams, new creations and imaginings are beginning to grow. Just like the tender sprouts of spring that need care, sunlight and water to grow, so to, do our hopes and dreams. Taking time to tend to ourselves as we begin this journey toward growth and maturation is essential. Too easy we spring into spring without the contemplation, awareness and self tending that are needed to bring our hopes and dreams fully alive. This is where planning, consideration, flexibility and making prudent decisions (all attributes of the Wood element), will determine the outcome. So plan accordingly, and what you will reap come harvest time, will be bountiful and abundant!

The three months of spring are
called springing up
and unfolding.

Heaven and earth together
produce life.

At night one goes to bed,
at dawn, one gets up.

One paces in the courtyard
with great strides.

Hair loose, body at ease,
exerting the will for life:

Letting live, not killing;
giving not taking away;

Rewarding not punishing.

This corresponds with the spring Chi.

It is the way that maintains
the drive of life.

– The Neijing

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