Spring according to the Nei Jing (Ch 2)
The three months of spring; They denote effusion and spreading.
Heaven and earth together generate life; The myriad beings flourish.
Spring is a time of integrating and expanding. When the heavenly father and earthly mother merge together, they bring fertile vitality which gives rise to the 10 000 things. This talks to the creation of life and can be seen in all aspects of life whether it be of a physical nature or an internal idea, project or way of life. The seasons are perhaps not as defined as what they used to be, however if we observe what nature is doing, we can see what qi to follow.
Go to rest late at night and rise early; Move through the courtyard with long strides.
Dishevel the hair and relax the physical appearance;
Thereby cause the mind (to orient itself on) life.
With winter on the way out, we have less of a need to sleep, going to bed later and motivation should start kicking in to wake us earlier. Spring is the time to be relaxed in all things both mentally and physically. Exercise can help this body relaxation which in turn relaxes the mind. By being relaxed in mind and body, we can focus on being present with all life. This presence is what enables the sense of contentment and where compassion and benevolence kicks in for all things.
Give life and do not kill; Give and do not take;
Reward and do not punish.
The movement of Spring qi is about growth and giving life internally and externally. Here the Nei Jing talks about moving with the qi of Spring rather than Autumn/Winter where things decay and die with focus more internal. Altruism and philanthropy - giving freely to the community. This could be giving to the beings in your backyard, locally, or on a more global level. This is in harmony with the qi of this season and the wood organs (liver and gallbladder). It’s also a great time to give these organs a break so they can rejuvenate. Focusing more on a lighter, plant-based diet rather than the rich, heavy meats of winter that can be harder to digest, is ideal.
This is correspondence with the qi of spring and it is the Way to nourish life.
Opposing it harms the liver.
Following/observing the qi of nature and the seasons is following the Dao (the Way). What is happening in our environment, reflects what is happening internally within the physiology of our bodies. This observation has developed a way to nourish ourselves, and as a result, life around us as well. Ignoring the natural cycles and rhythms of our own bodies and life, create stress on our physical systems within and without. Ignoring the needs of the liver during it’s time of strength is thought to create future harm for these organ systems by creating strain and weakening it. Anger, frustration and the need for control are some key emotional behaviours that oppose the liver.
Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen: An Annotated Translation of Huang Di’s Inner Classic - basic questions. Vol.1 . Pg 45&46 by Unschuld, Tessenow & Zheng 2011
This is Lee-Ana’s interpretation and understanding of Unschuld et al’s translation.
