01/07/2025
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter is considered a time for rest, reflection, and rejuvenation. It aligns with the Water element in the Five Element Theory, symbolizing stillness, introspection, and conservation of energy. The winter season corresponds to the kidneys, which are viewed as the source of vitality and life force (jing). Protecting and nourishing kidney energy during this time is crucial for long-term health and resilience.
I’ve been thinking about this quite a bit, because I have been feeling the push to map out a year of goals and productivity, but I’ve been noticing resistance because it does not feel appropriate. For one, New Year’s resolutions reflect a societal expectation to increase consumption, which I try to be conscious of. And two, who’s to really say that this is the only time we have for a fresh start.
I think a great reclamation of this idea is to actually turn inward more, to be inspired by the ideas of Chinese medicine and to take this time to nourish ourselves without feeling a need to expend for the sake of ‘new year new me’
I plan on spending some time journaling, meditating, reflecting and allowing the creative flow to follow 💫