Winter is the most Yin time of year. Most of earth’s creatures turn inward and pause during the liminal space between the death and decay of autumn and the rebirth of spring. The bladder teaches us when to hold and when to release, the kidneys invite us to have faith in the rhythm of nature, and the water element shows us the power in resting, softening, and trusting the flow of life. 

Just like the bear knows when to emerge from hibernation and the seed knows exactly the right time to sprout, the kidneys and bladder give you the faith that if you focus on restoration, your inner wisdom will guide you through the seasons of your life, keeping you in alignment with your purpose without depleting your resources. 

Spring is a time of renewal and emergence. The tenacious Wood element encourages growth, even in the face of obstacles, and the liver and gallbladder provide the courage to break out of the comfort of hibernation.

To overcome the inertia of winter and to encourage the thawing energy to flow, springtime practices emphasize expansive, spiraling movements that invite energy to build and rise, preventing stagnation.

These practices help you clarify what matters most and envision the possibilities within change so you can take courageous action to fulfill your purpose.

When the fire element is balanced, it illuminates our path and ignites our inspiration and growth. Imbalanced fire can be all consuming, leading to overextending and eventually burning out. 

During the summer session, we use cooling, spacious, fire-balancing practices to keep the flame of the fire element balanced and radiant, and to open space in the heart so we can resonate with the world.

When the spirit is at home in the heart, our true colors shine and we feel connected and content. We no longer experience self-doubt, disconnection, or restlessness when we are guided by our authentic truth.

Late summer serves as a bridge between summer and fall. Nature is simultaneously sharing her abundance and preparing to let go.

The Earth element guides this transition, inviting us to slow down, to savor the gifts of the harvest, and to consider what will be necessary to sustain us through the fall and winter. The stomach and spleen organs support this transformation by breaking things down and separating what is useful from what must be eliminated.

Late summer practices foster steadiness, clarity and discernment so we know what is for us and what is not, and we can trust the rhythms of life.

Autumn is the season of letting go. Just like trees release their leaves and concentrate their energy at their roots to sustain themselves through the winter, the Metal element, lungs, and large intestine help us to let go of what doesn’t serve us, clarifying what is essential. 

Autumn practices that work with the Metal element focus on strengthening our purpose and purifying our intentions. They invite us to connect with our inherent dignity and worth, and to have the courage to live our lives with integrity.

Rather than becoming rigid from holding on too tightly, these practices allow us to exhale and illuminate the beauty of letting go.