4 Lessons from the "almost Spring"

by Lance Isakov, M.Ac., Acupuncturist & Yoga Teacher
edited by Amy Isakov


These are actual quotes I have heard this past week:

"I am losing my mind"
"I am ready to lay on a beach" 
"When is this going to be over?" "I have cabin fever!"
"3 more inches!?" 
"I can't wait to get my schedule back and get my kids in school!!"

Sound familiar?

This can be a frustrating time of year in the cycle of seasons.  We know spring is around the corner, in fact we are feeling a bubbling, sometimes pushing up of its energy deep within us, but alas - snow still covers the ground, the air is still frozen, and the spring equinox is still about a month away.


Each time of year has it’s own gifts and challenges in the cycle of the Five Elements. So, what in tarnation are those gifts of this "almost Spring" time of year?!


Here are four gifts to ponder:


Potential Energy - In nature the bulbs and seeds lay dormant and still in the winter. As the sun gets stronger and stronger, those seeds begin to gently stir and the energy begins to slowly build up until, BAM! There is a Crocus! Life has begun again and it brings us to our knees. This is the same stirring you are feeling within you. Your energy is getting ready to burst into life. What will you create?

Creativity - Part of our feeling of angst is that we are so aware of this potential energy but it just feels like it hits a barrier. Like a blade of grass trying to push through a concrete sidewalk. It builds up in us and pushes against the diaphragm. (the end of  liver/springtime energy channel) Emotionally we feel frustrated. Frustration is this powerful uprising creative energy- that’s stuck. What is called for is making room for more expression and possibly creating new ways of letting “it” out. Perhaps now is a good time to start writing down ideas and thinking about what you need to align in order to take effective action in the spring time.  Even if you can't take action, you can get out a pencil and paper and leave it on your desk.  Just leave it there so when an Idea comes, you’re ready.  Allow the bubbling and pushing of Spring to abide, knowing it is creating life.

Patience - Take a breath.  Flowers that pop up too early often don't make it due to an early refreeze.  If only they had waited! That is the lesson of patience. Though we are feeling the need to spring forward, we need to wait for the appropriate time, even though it can feel challenging.  That will ensure steady and healthy growth to maturity.  Remember, there is a time for every purpose under heaven.
Potent wildflowers. The view of the Five Elements recognizes the cycle of perpetual life giving. Water gives life to Wood, Winter gives life to Spring. And the deeper the winter the more powerful the spring.  If you have ever grown tulips, you know this first hand. With tulips, you have to emulate winter by storing the bulbs (in soil) in the freezer for a few months. Doing this creates healthy, vital flowers once they go in the ground for spring. It’s the same in us. A deep and still winter will allow for the birth of a powerful creative surge! Can you feel it?  It will be worth the cold and the wait.


I’m letting my planning for an upcoming course be fueled by these energies.  I am really looking forward to exploring Potential Energy, Creativity, Patience, and Potent Wildflowers in my Kundalini Yoga & Healing weekend intensive in April.  For all those who feel called to really take this deep and see where we can go together, I am excited to join you on this journey.


More info on the Spring Kundalini Yoga & Healing Immersion can be found here.


Meanwhile: turn this up loud and see how it feels, you’ll realize that you are not alone…


Hope too see you soon!  


Love,

Lance