As we approach another long Alaskan winter, it is important for us to
keep our spark, motivations and passions burning as brightly as
possible. Our spirit is the flame that ignites our will and influences
our dreams. Spirit is the principle of conscious life that resides in
all things and is around us and in us at all times.
In Chinese medicine the season of winter
relates to the energy of the kidney and the will. Our spirit and will
work together to sustain one another. Winter is a time of reflection,
stillness and restfulness that provides strength for the foundation of
our energy and our spirit. It is an opportunity to go within ourselves
and replenish our life essence. Spirit is the flame of passion in life
that empowers our presence and focus, and relates to the energy of the
heart.
With the holiday seasons ahead of us,
remembering simple gifts of spirit can add quality and depth to our
times of gathering. Coming with an open heart is not about how much
money we spend or what we buy, but how we connect and shed light on
those around us. Thoughtfulness and gratitude for the bounty of our
harvests, the good food we eat and the good company we keep adds great
value to our lives. Acknowledging the spirit of all things can bring
deep feelings of peace and joy.
Winter is also a great time to replenish the
body with necessary minerals and nutrients to keep us strong
throughout the cold months. Feeling healthy adds strength to both our
will and spirit. This gives us the fuel we need to set clear
intentions, have clarity and focus, and go after our dreams.
When cooking, use kosher sea salt. Drink six to
12 glasses of water daily. Eat plenty of warm and nourishing organic
foods such as black beans, lentils, brown rice, millets, amaranth and
quinoa. Stay grounded with root vegetables such as squashes, carrots,
beets, celery root, yams, and sweet potatoes. Consume one to three
tablespoons of omega-3, 6 and 9 fatty acids daily. These are found in
Norwegian distilled fish oils, cold pressed flax seed oil (keep in
refrigerator), cold pressed olive oil (medium temperature), and
sunflower seed oil. Keep in mind that organic and free-range protein
is a great fuel source. These food sources supplement the mind, body
and spirit.
Every day we have a choice to work on
connecting our body, mind and spirit. Often times getting these three
to align takes dedication and hard work. We need to listen, relax and
stay open. Opening the parts of our body that are blocked allows us to
be a vessel for our spirit to flow through. Addressing these blocked
areas can be done in many varied ways. For example, yoga class can
help us breathe deeper, a walk has us admiring the mountains and the
trees, and connecting with an old friend brings laughter and good
memories. Acupuncture is also a great tool for addressing some of the
blocks we may be having a difficult time overcoming.
Our excitement, insight, intuition, passion and
dreams are all part of our spirit, and can help steer us in the right
direction. As long as we follow our hearts, we are being true to
ourselves no matter how hard it may seem at times. Keeping our will
strong and restoring energy will allow us to take initiative and
action in life when opportunities present themselves. Anything is
possible with a strong will and an open heart.
Tina Harmon, L.Ac., has her
Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She works with a great
team at Avante Medical Center and has a private practice in Girdwood.
