In the northern part of New York where we live, much of the ground is still covered in snow and ice. The distant mountains resemble scenes from a black-and-white film, blanketed in snow. However, according to the Chinese solar terms, spring officially began on February 4th. Without revealing too much to us, insects and plants are slowly awakening underground, because the earthly energy is shifting from the dormancy and storage of winter to the awakening and revitalization of spring.

Some of my favorite passages in The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine discuss the four seasons. In addressing how we can align our lives with the rhythms of cosmic changes, Huang Di offers guidance on several aspects of what we should do and how we should rest.

The three months of spring (February, March, and April) are the time of rebirth, and we are being reborned with the earthly energy.  During this period, Huang Di suggests us to sleep a little later but rise early in the morning. We should walk outdoors to absorb the fresh and invigorating energy. As this is a time of renewal, we should not suppress our emotions or our physical bodies. Physically, we should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and engage in stretching exercises to loosen the tendons and muscles. Emotionally, we should avoid indulging in anger, frustration, depression, or sadness, as these feelings can harm the liver.

Spring is a time for new beginnings, new lives, and the opportunity to give rather than take. We should nurture growth, instead of killing in any form, including plants, incests and ideas. 

* Maoshing NI (1995), The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine, A New Translation of the Neijing Suwen with Commentary. Shambhala Boulder