Using Your Emotions Wisely

Good Morning!

A large part of my morning routine is seeking and connecting to inspiration from the natural world.  It might be looking to the sky and seeing the clouds, morning birdsong, the excitement of walking in the woods or a garden.  Sometimes I can close my eyes and recall the feeling of joy when I am together with those I love.  

The following guidance from Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation, based on teachings from Grand Master Nan Lu, may offer some helpful hints.  It always does for me.  If something speaks to you, you might want to put it into your daily routine.  

Feeling Stuck?

All too often, we get stuck in the cycle of worry—fear—anger, and don’t allow ourselves a release. Think about a young child having a temper tantrum. He drops to the floor, crying wildly, flailing his arms and legs. He’s feeling angry and frustrated and is using his voice and body to express himself. And then, almost as if someone flips a switch, he starts laughing. If we study those reactions from the Five Element perspective, we see that Liver (anger, frustration) gives way to the Heart (joy, laughter). Interesting, isn’t it? How smart that little kids know how to let go and move on.

This year, all of our emotions are on overdrive, forcing our bodies to use extra Qi to process what we’re collectively experiencing. We tax the Lung (sadness), Kidney (fear), Liver (anger) and Spleen (worry). So where does the Heart come in? The Heart houses the spirit. It is all about joy and peace. The Heart’s job is to coordinate all communications between the organs so they can come together harmoniously. When this happens, the energetic vibrations of each organ form a beautiful symphony. The Heart is the conductor of this orchestra, bringing peace, love and joy to the entire mind-body-spirit being.

Summer is the season for the Heart, and a time to relax, let go and simply be. Follow these tips to release and renew.

Step 1: Release

1. Lung: Take a cue from Nature. In Fall, trees no longer need leaves to help them create energy. Instead, they drop their leaves to prepare themselves for the period of deep rest that lies ahead. See sadness as something separate from yourself. As the winds blow or the leaves fall, begin to release these emotions, little-by-little.

2. Kidney: Acknowledge your fears. Write about them, talk about them and give them their own stage. And then, with a deep breath, set them free. Give your fears to the Universe so your joy may shine through.

3. Liver: Break eggs against a tree or stomp on bubble wrap to release your anger and frustration.

4. Spleen: Listen to your body’s messages. Notice when you feel bloated or experience stomach pains or heartburn. What are you currently processing? Recognizing these messages can help you to view your digestive system differently.

Step 2: Renew:

1. Create a mantra that you repeat daily, such as “Everything happens for good.” or “My life is meant to be happy.” Help yourself to see the bigger picture and focus on the good.

2. Eat healing foods, such as in-season fruits and cooked vegetables. Giving your body warming foods helps add an additional layer of support so that your Qi isn’t used entirely on digestion. Reserve your Qi for healing.

3. Smile. What a powerful gift we’ve been given—the ability to smile. Practice smiling at yourself and then share your gift with others. Be sure your smile comes from within. As you smile, you are sharing your Heart!

4. Practice Qigong daily, focusing on our standing meditation, The Dragon Stands Between Heaven and Earth.

 https://www.tcmworld.org/learn-qigong/meditation/

5. Be love and share love. Love is the most powerful way to nurture the Heart.

 I hope this provides some helpful information.  

With love and gratitude,

--

Esther