Witnessing Winter
Mother Nature blanketed our lives with snow last week – forcing most of us to drastically alter our routines and learn flexibility. We could resist and venture out in 40 mph winds, or give in and gracefully accept the blizzard as an opportunity to slow down and go inward. We could become frustrated about the loss of productivity or take the time to rest, recharge and reflect.
We live in such a fast-paced, results-oriented society, that we easily forget how every other living thing on the planet slows way down during this time of year. Winter is a time of stasis – movement slows and plants submerge their energy down into their roots. When we take our cues from nature and observe just how low the level of activity is, winter becomes a natural time to rest more and resource for our more active times of year – spring and summer.
In the five element theory of Chinese medicine, winter is the expression of the water element, corresponding to the kidney. The kidney consolidates and stores our life force for use in times of growth, transition or crisis. The kidney is our well of vitality and endurance. When this vital essence is strong, we resist illness, adapt to change smoothly, and are mentally sharp. By fighting our natural tendency to strengthen these forces during the winter, we leave ourselves ill-prepared for the entire year.
The depths of winter is the best time to strengthen our kidney. Leave more space in your schedule, and allow yourself more time to complete big projects. Forcing yourself into productivity strains the kidney and can make you grow weary, achy and even depressed. Establishing a routine and nourishing yourself with warm nutrient rich foods will stabilize and fuel you for the energetically demanding change of seasons.
Beneath the snow, within the moist earth is hidden activity of gestation and germination that will bring forth renewal in the spring. Before seeds germinate, they require a winter spell of inactivity. In order to have a fruitful spring, we must root ourselves firmly. The more we can ground, rest and resource ourselves this winter, the more we can fully express our seeds of intention when the days grow longer.
Introducing Juice Plus
When I recently expressed the difficulties of finding a high quality, well-absorbed multivitamin that didn’t require a mountain of capsules, a colleague introduced me to Juice Plus.
Juice Plus is not a multivitamin, but rather a whole foods based product made from juiced fruits and vegetables. It’s been around for over 30 years and has over 20 research studies demonstrating its efficacy. It has been shown to boost antioxidant and status, reduce cardiovascular risk, increase immunity, and protect DNA.
Most people don’t come close to eating the daily recommended 7-13 fruits and vegetables. Four caps of Juice Plus is equivalent to 17 fruits grains and veggies – a great way to supplement your current intake. For more information check out: www.drmarierodriguezjuiceplus.com
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