Our world is completely different to what it was a few months ago. Crazy times demand courage. When the carpet gets pulled from beneath your feet it takes time to go into the acceptance that the life of the past will not return.
It is an ideal time for introspection, recalibration and realignment. In taking the analogy from nature life is seasonal, moving from the birth of spring to the darkest of nights in winter and back to the light.
Moving forward from introspection
The Chinese philosophy of the Five Elements is rooted in the ancient wisdom of Buddhist and Taoist monks who spent much of their time observing and studying the rhythm of nature.
In the northern hemisphere we are moving from autumn into winter. Autumn is associated with the metal element when the body energies move inward. Nature starts contracting and preparing for winter (water element) with plant and animal withdrawing into recuperation or hibernation.
When the elements of metal and water are in imbalance the emotions of grief, anxiety and fear become a challenge. In going forward from this energy and recreating balance on a mindset level the opposite side of these emotions are courage, steadfastness, alignment and the setting of healthy boundaries.
Humanity has broken the code of nature
Our skin, which is the outer expression of the large intestine, associated with the metal element, is all about setting and accepting boundaries whether we choose or deny body contact and what we inhale and exhale in energy around us. What we inhale we become. What are we inhaling in negative thoughts, news, and distractions? How much have we broken the code of nature in exploiting and destroying our own and the life systems of other living beings?
Moving from grief into courage
Despite the fear, anxiety and melancholy sadness we are seeing many people navigating new territory, rediscovering community and vocation. In moving forward from the darkest of nights in winter the first step is the acknowledgment of what is. You could ask yourself the following questions:
- What lesson can I extract from the new situation?
- What resources, knowledge, networks can I activate?
- What is the first step that I can take today to change my situation?
- What are the things that I can still truly be grateful for?
- What habits, attitudes, and mindset can I change at this point in time?
Creating the momentum for a new future and new opportunity is the time of spring and rebirth (wood element). We move into spring with the spiritual growth and elevation of consciousness we have attained during the time of winter. It is the necessary precondition, the time to plant the seeds for summer (fire element) so that you can harvest the seeds of your efforts in late summer (earth element).
Whatever situation you are finding yourself in at the moment you can regain confidence on a mindset level by accepting the cyclical nature of the universe. The yin and yang is constantly in motion between expansion and withdrawal, night and day, grief and happiness.
Look at yourself from a bird’s eye perspective and tell yourself: “May I be liberated from the sadness and the grief over that which was and is no more. I love and accept myself the way I am. I wish and pray with all my heart for a life of fulfillment, abundance and happiness.”
Repeat this inner prayer for yourself first and then continue by wishing this positive vibrational energy to loved persons that come to mind but also to persons you have problems forgiving and have hurt you in the past.
Reino Gevers – Author, Mentor and Consultant
P.S: If you found this article of interest, you might also want to check out my recent interview on OMTimes Radio on the release of my new book Deep Walking for Body, Mind and Soul.
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