Nature is the expression of the Dao, to flow with the Dao is to become one with it through following its manifestations; therefore, it is important to know how these manifestations impact our human nature and wellbeing.
We are made in the image of the Universe, the macro “external” universe and our micro “personal” or “internal” universe constantly interact with each other. “The fish moves in the water while the man moves in the Dao,” therefore, we are linked to Mother Nature, "the womb of the old mother,” through the different cycles throughout the year - changing like the seasons - through environmental Qi, our bodies (”Jing“), our energy (”Qi”) and our spirit (“Shen”) are influenced. Taoist ancestors understood this and developed the knowledge to harmonize with the environmental energy changes rather than fight against them, and this can be considered a practice of "Flowing with the Dao”.
To turn this review into a more interesting and practical application, I will explain briefly the five sources of human energy and how to adapt these sources to the winter season:
- Ancestral or primordial Qi: This type of Qi support us throughout our life - gestation during conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is important to know how to preserve it during the winter. The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine says that we must wake up and go to sleep with the cycle of the sun; by sleeping more as daylight is shortest during winter, we avoid fatigue and promote wakefulness. During this season, the energy is stored in the 6 organs, just like a farmer that saves his harvest to survive the winter. As a result, the renal energy becomes abundant, helping to nourish the marrow and the brain and this helps us to have a broad view of our life; therefore, Winter is the perfect time to review the annual results and plan for the next year. Avoid depression and resentment, do not waste time regretting what you could not complete during the year, it is better to use that effort for the planning and execution of the next year.
- Air Qi: This is the second source of energy, once we are born, immediately afterwards we breathe, “we connect with Mother Earth”. The methods of refining the breath will help us nurture our meridians and collaterals. We should favor the internal practice over the external practice, Qi Gong and Dao Yin should be practiced inside our house, avoiding the cold and wind, since these pathogenic factors are very strong in this season.
- Food Qi: The insubstantial Jing energy that we obtain from food after digestion is the raw material for all physiological activities. The transformation of Jing into Qi is one of the most important processes, and the quality of the food will be reflected in the quality of the Jing obtained, the quality of the Jing will be reflected in the quality of the Qi. Only high-quality Qi can nourish the Shen (“spirit”), in this case, basic quality of food will only nourish the body, high quality food will nourish the body and energy, and premium quality food will nourish the body, energy and spirit. According to the Chinese diet, we must eat warm and hot foods and avoid fresh and cold foods during winter. The following is an example of what we can consume this season:
| Recommended Winter Foods | |
|---|---|
| Seeds and grains | Walnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nut, peanuts, almonds, black beans, brown rice, etc. |
| Fruits | Fig, grapes, blueberries, and nuts in general. |
| Vegetables | Eggplant, sweet potato, potato, onion and red cabbage, radish. |
| Meat | Pig, bones, marrow, sea food in general. |
| Spices | Ginger, garlic, black pepper, miso, sesame. |
| Tea to warm up the body and expel the coldness | Hibiscus flower, ginger, cinnamon and honey. |
- Social Qi: This energy comes from our different social circles scope. It starts with the small circle: the relationship with myself, the medium circle: the relationship with my loved ones and the large circle: the relationship with other people. The way in which we interact with these circles, share emotions, sexuality and virtue, imprints our social Qi. We must avoid emotions that drain our kidneys and/or intoxicate the mind like: fear, panic, resentment and hatred. Regarding sexuality, we must avoid constant ejaculation and sexual intercourse should be slow, long-lasting and with love, ensuring that the relationship lasts beyond the sexual relationship into the expression of love. In practicing virtue we must express our feelings, show love to others and show love to ourselves. Compassion and empathy are virtues that nourish the kidneys. Try to close the emotional circles that you have left open by forgiving and creating an atmosphere of conciliation and harmony. The strengthening of family ties are very important this season as it strengthens the family energy.
- Qi from the environment: is the energy we obtain from our environment, aspects such as altitude, humidity, climate and endemic food conditions us and provides important resources. In this sense, we must avoid cold, humid or windy places since these pathogenic factors during the winter are very aggressive. Meditating to the north, sunbathing at noon (if the weather allows it), waking up at sunrise, and sleeping when the sun goes down are general recommendations that we find in the different classics of Chinese Medicine.
As a summary, in winter: Let's avoid excesses, seek harmony, and express our good feelings so we can have a lovable season. Happy winter everyone.
Affectionately,
Shi Ching Kan Mario Silva.