Seasonal Node: Insects Waking Up

 Seasonal Node: Insects Waking up

Jing zhe 驚蟄
March 5th- 20th, 2021
Pt. 1

Here in the West, we commonly think of four seasons. However, our indigenous ancestors were close observers of the smaller changes happening in nature, and named micro-seasons that fall in periods of just two weeks. You might start noticing the changes happening in and around you this week as we head into a period referred to as “The Awakening of Insects” in the Chinese calendrical system. This is actually the 3rd period of the lunar new year that began on February 3rd which marked the beginning of Spring. We are firmly into the season that is represented by the element Wood. Wood knows something about how to rise, strategize, and test boundaries. This is the time of year when yang qi starts to rise out of the depths of Winter. The Sun is higher in the sky, we have increasing daylight hours, the ground is warming, and with it life begins to be called upward and outward out of hibernation. You may notice more impatience in the air along with the smells of freshly blooming daphne. Your appetite for movement may also start to increase. The waters which were drawn tightly into the roots of plants, and which was also held in the deep interior in our bodies is now starting to flow outward to the branches and limbs, eventually forming buds. What was in storage in the winter is now being called into circulation. This yang energy will eventually be the force that helps move things up and out, rising against gravity to pop open tiny seeds which then sprout. Insects start waking up and crawling the the soil to aerate the earth so it can breathe again.

This is a time of year when latent pathogens also wake up in the body. As energy starts circulating in the body differently, areas which are blocked may start to light up. You may notice a sore throat, plugged ears, dizziness, and headaches come and go. This is the time when the metabolic fire of the body is moving and warming our periphery. It’s important to protect that warming force here in mid-spring. Increasingly, yang energy is circulating in us and will naturally rouse us into action, but patience and compassion will keep us from overdoing it. There is a lot of support at this time of year for new projects, new ideas, and we are helped by the environmental qi to be able to take steps toward our broader goals. A good way to balance energy this time of year is to answer the call to start moving gently, and avoiding stress or strain by remaining flexible. This recommendation comes from the second chapter of the Neijing Su Wen, the The Great Treatise on Regulating the Spirit with the Four Seasons. During Spring we should “upon waking take a walk in the courtyard, loosen the hair and relax the body, thus focusing the will on life.” Movement done in the morning will feel nourishing and balancing. A shaking practice combined with gently patting with cupped hands the sides of the body from head to toe will move qi through the channels and open blockages. Balancing foods for this time of year include pungent flavors such as leeks, chives, and scallions.

What’s calling you to action lately?