While we may not like the sound of a lot of things we hear today, from the news, and others’ apprehensive approximations of the state of affairs, that does not mean this moment is not resonant with what we need to hear to live healthy, fulfilling lives. For thousands of years, people everywhere have turned to sound and color as a source of healing. Without even realizing it, humans are naturally drawn to colors and sounds that nourish the mind and body. This is why most people have a favorite color and song.
“The Shortest Day,” by Susan Cooper: A Poem For People
And so the Shortest Day came and the year died
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
Came people singing, dancing,
To drive the dark away.
Exploring Winter Solstice: A Time of Deep Yin and Knowing
Winter Solstice marks the moment of deepest Yin (least Energy) in the solar calendar. And in this Covid Winter, the natural quiet and darkness of this time of year is more accentuated than any time in collective memory.
This is the time of year where the Chi (Energy) like fallen leaves, has sunk down into the ground, and so has the energy in our bodies, minds, and spirits. It is a time where we are more capable, perhaps more willing, of feeling that deeper, darker part of ourselves, and learning from it.
Calligraphic Illumination: Seeing Yourself In Unusual Ways
This Winter Solstice wreath was hand drawn using dip pens by Kitty Bradshaw. When not being creative in her practice of Oriental Medicine, Kitty gives sway to her lifelong love of calligraphy. Of late, she has been practicing ‘Italian Roundhand.’
Food Is Energy: Five Element Eating Is the Source!
You’re born with a certain amount of chi that you inherit from your parents; you get a constant supply of chi from the air you breathe; and you need a constant source of chi from the food you eat. When you eat food that doesn’t have the proper nutritive value, your health gradually diminishes; when you eat a diet that’s balanced, based on the 5 Element Theory of Oriental Medicine, your health flourishes.
