The Season of Winter: Replenish

“Alone time is when I distance myself from the voices of the world so I can hear my own.” – Oprah Winfrey

Associated with …

Element: Water
Color: Dark Blue
System: Endocrine /Glands, reproductive
Organs: Yin – Kidneys, Yang – Bladder
Direction: North
Area of Influence:
Bones & bone marrow
Sense Organ: Ears/Listening
Releasing Sound: Ch-reeee & choo …
Energy: Sinking, resting
Foods: Salty
KIDNEYS house fear & insecurity > > AND > > deep tranquility, gratitude, & inner listening

A personality dominated by Water will have insatiable curiosity and a deep interior world. A Philosopher. Solitary by nature and alive in an inner world of ideas, this personality is often quietly pensive with a serious demeanor. Appearance will generally include a sturdy frame, sculpted features and soft, graceful hands. Generally easy going, an over-abundance of water can lead to social isolation and cynicism.

During the Season of winter energy sinks and ultimately rests. In nature much goes on below the surface readying for rebirth in spring. We use this time to gently explore our deeper side, our unconscious. Within our Qigong practice, we fully explore the principle of flow…. This is the time to spark internal warmth and fire (balancing water). Relax, slow, and replenish our deepest energetic systems.

Consider the role of emotions, said to “make lousy masters but excellent servants.” In other words, our emotions can teach us much but when they rule us we may act in ways that are not our most authentic self. All feelings and emotions have purpose in our lives. Responding to life from an authentic place of balance means we are able to be fully present with our inner self. “Be” with whatever emotions or feelings are present and pause and breathe. Respond from a place of balance. When we practice this with minor frustrations we can more easily return to a place of balance and calm during more major difficulties.

“Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future.” – Deepak Chopra

Begin your winter Qigong practice with deep breaths including releasing breaths and Kidney breathing (hands low on the back and breath into the palms). Movements for winter include, “Knocking on the Door of Life,” with “water waves”, “Qi Massage” (knocking on chest and down the inner arm/ up the outside), “The Pump” and “The Fountain.” As you practice, warm up and move stagnant Qi. Perhaps do some shaking to release and lighten the energy. Then, slow way down as you begin your flows and fully experience the lightness of water … be like mist. Replenish, go deep, use all your senses fully experiencing the moment. Close your session with “bringing down the sky” or “bamboo in the wind” for centering and balance. Still.

— Be Happy. Be well. Be full of peaceful, vibrant Qi.