When spring arrives, I feel a shift within myself that mirrors the changes happening in nature. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, spring is governed by the liver and gallbladder, and is associated with the wood element and the emotion of anger. The liver represents movement, harmony and flow, and spring invites us to embrace growth, flexibility and change.
This connection is easy to observe in nature. Trees grow stronger by swaying in the wind — the push and pull challenges them, and it’s this agitation that deepens their roots and builds resilience. It reminds me that the challenges in my own life, the ones that feel like they might knock me down, often shape me the most and help me grow stronger.
During this seasonal transition, I make a conscious effort to step outside and tune into the world waking up around me. I walk without distractions, letting my senses fully engage. I witness the buds forming on trees, I feel the warmth of the sun kissing my skin, I smell the thawing soil coming alive, and I listen attentively to the songs of birds.
Did you know birds only sing when it’s safe?
Hearing their melodies instantly creates a state of calm and equanimity. Spring also nudges me to release what’s stagnant, like old habits, dramas, stories, ideas or emotions. Think of it as internal spring cleaning. This provides space for limitless creative possibilities and new ideas to drop in. Spring is the season of forward motion. I try my best to stay flexible, both physically and mentally, and to trust in my personal growth, even during times of discomfort.
By aligning with the rhythms of nature, I deeply reconnect with myself — because, ultimately, I am nature too.
