Dancing Our Rhythms

If we are each a replica of the Universe, then the nature of nature is our nature. The rhythms vibrating the seasons are simply another layer of energy analogous to the rhythms dancing our mind/body. The ancient Chinese, Indian ( east & west), and the Astrologic healing modalities all pay homage to sharing the basic elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, air, and sometimes ether.

Each season has a particular rhythm section, which vary depending on the teachings, but all concur that when we are aware of particular energies vibrating a season, its vulnerabilities and strengths, we have more power to adjust our rhythms within that framework, and mine available health and healing.

The following information is culled from Donna Eden’s fascinating book, “Energy Medicine,” where she interweaves her vast, eclectic knowledge of healing with the Chinese elements. She feels that, “the five rhythms approach, grounded in each person’s core bio-energies,” reveals their challenges, personality, health, even their spiritual journey.

Winter Rhythm:
No surprise that winter’s rhythm is the seed pod, the embodiment of our potential. Bodies that vibrate in a winter rhythm have a start-up enthusiasm, especially when they feel safe. There is a child like wonder at the newness of life, and when they trust their gut, like a new moon child, life runs more smoothly. Their strengths are envisioning and spontaneity, again the gifts of the Astrologic new moon baby. Because there is little heat from a winter sun, their energy is not suited for the long haul. They need to retreat to regenerate in order to plan the next phase. Their powers lie in having the courage to begin, in overcoming fears, and letting down their guard.

As with all systems, the weaknesses hold the polarity of possible strengths. In Astrology, Chiron, the wounded healer, embodies this aspect, for it reveals where we are wounded, where we heal, and then, where we teach and heal others the self-same issue. And like the Ayurvedic, Kapha Dosha, the watery, languid quality of winter-rhythm bodies need stronger physical practices, with lightness and heat in their diet.

Winter rhythms may have difficulty planning and surviving the long haul without help. They need, even demand special attention, and may not perceive how their actions affect others. They may not feel loved, despite the fact they are, and in the fear of not getting what they want, they retreat.
The Winter Rhythm is symbolized by the time of conception to eighteen months.

Spring Rhythm:
Spring is a wood element, solid, un-stoppable, with the driving energy of a Crescent Moon phase, Astrologically. Spring rhythms claim their space, dancing the power of their visions, knowing they have the ability to inspire others, and lead the way. The Aires, “I Am” mantra replicates the same courage to overcome the odds, for there is a single-minded insistence on new life that carries them through crises, and allows the organization of goals with sound judgment.

Spring Rhythm’s imbalance come from over-stepping boundaries, when the self assurance becomes arrogance, when the assertiveness grows inflexible, judging others who do not operate from the same base. When stressed, the reaction is anger. Whatever blocks the ability to move forward and take what is needed, easily turns to frustrated anger, until age and wisdom prevail.
The Spring Rhythm is symbolized by the time of ‘the terrible two’s.

Next Week I will coverer the remainder of the rhythms of the seasons.

Entertwining Energies:
Asana/Pose: Natarajasana/King Dancer. As part of the rhythms of the season, we must become dancers. Standing tall in Tadasana, lift the R foot and reach back with the R hand to clasp inside of foot. Activate the hamstrings by strongly extending R foot toward back wall, while lifting chest, and L arm up and forward. Once balanced, you can head down for the floor, keeping R leg extended back. You are now upside down in Dancer. Breathe and enjoy. When ready to return right side up, press even more strongly down into L foot & leg.

Health Notes: Aside from building physical muscle and balance in the legs and back, and opening the chest, so important at this time of year with lungs clogged in pollen, you have greater prowess to dance the rhythms of this season, setting down a strong tap root, demanding to stand your ground.

Ayurveda Notes: This is a changeover time when, depending on where you live, the wet, heavier energies of Kapha Dosha are shifting to Pitta, if its hot, or Vata if its light and windy. Pay attention to balancing out the needs inherent in the Doshas/constitutions, just as you do to balance the rhythms of the seasons.
Listen to the body, what needs to shift in order for new energy to enter? We know instinctually, we simply tend not to pay attention. Promise yourself 20 minutes a day of nothing but sitting, listening, allowing, honoring, and gratitude.

Astrology Notes: Gemini, ruled by Mercury, rules hands, arms and lungs, as well as having general rulership over the nervous system, (central and peripheral.) Everything in pairs, symbolic of the pairs found mating in nature at this time. Along with its diversification, and diffusion of efforts, Gemini has a strong intellectual drive, using skepticism, and logic to find out ‘just the facts, M’am,’