Summer Heat = Heart Fire

Summer time relates to the Fire Element, represented in the body particularly by the Heart and its related organs. The Fire Element is about activity; movement from the sheer pleasure of being alive. Think fireworks! The great danger during this time is excess Fire. Yin-Yang theory tells us that “yin at its extreme becomes yang, and yang at its extreme becomes yin.” We all know the truth of this particularly with Fire: Strenuous activity (yang) leads to exhaus tion (yin). With our strong sun, summer heat, and the irresistible temptation of summer sports, we must be careful to keep our Fire in check.     1) Stay hydrated. Water controls Fire, bot h in the Five Element chart and in our bodies! Sip, rather than gulp, what you drink. A dilute solution of honey, lemon and a pinch of sea salt will help supply your body with liquid as well as sugars and electrolytes.   2) Eat appropriately for the season. Smaller meals, especially during the heat of the day, will be easier to digest. Fruits of the melon family (cucumber, zucchini, water melon, cantaloupe) will help your body stay hydrated naturally. Include the bitter flavor in your diet. Bitter flavor stimulates the Fire Element; bitter foods include certain lettuces, and, in particular, bitter melon. Available in Asian groceries, this nubbly green melon is particularly consumed at this time of year to help the body deal with heat (stir-fry with beef and black bean sauce, or curry it). 3) Pay attention to your body, especially for signs of excess heat. If you feel your heart racing, which could be one sign of heat exhaustion, immediately get in the shade, lie down, and massage the tips of your pinky fingers. This stimulates a point on the Heart meridian that will help normalize heart rate.

Chris & Parisa Shelton
Morning Crane Healing Arts & Fitness Center

Spring into Shape; APRIL 2013 NEWSLETTER

If you are reading this you are taking steps to improve your well-being. Congratulations! This month we focus on clearing and cleaning. Spring into Shape means starting a new routine; making time for yourself, family, & friends; work less–play more.

This is the time when the Liver is most active. Just like flowers are blossoming so is the Liver working to detoxify from the past year. Add berries to your diet. It is not by accident that nature produces berries at this time of year. Berries are know to aide in detoxification. Avoid being exposed to too much wind. At this time, the Liver is more susceptible to wind, which is the driving force for all disease. Wind is consider one of the “six evils.”  The Liver stores the negative emotions of anger, frustration, and rage.  The positive virtues of kindness and compassion.  Take an extra moment to do something nice for the people you love or a complete stranger.

THE SYMBOLISM OF THE SNAKE

The Snake, and its complementary sign, the Dragon, together form the House of Mystery; but whereas the Dragon is the gaudy magician, the Snake is the contemplative mystic. A correlative of this mysticism, however, is secrecy; and the Snake is closely associated with plots and counter-plots, scandal and corruption, the expression ‘long snake’ in Chinese meaning ‘intrigue’. On the more positive side, the Snake is regarded as the guardian of treasure. Indeed, some Chinese believe it to be unlucky to kill a snake which enters the house, as it could be the bringer of good fortune.

YEARS OF THE SNAKE and their associated elements 

4 Feb 1905 – 24 Jan 1906   Wood

23 Jan 1917 – 10 Feb l9l8   Fire

10 Feb 1929 – 29 Jan 1930  Earth

27 Jan 1941 – 14 Feb 1942  Metal

14 Feb 1953 – 2 Feb 1954  Water

2 Feb 1965 – 20 Jan 1966   Wood

18 Feb 1977 – 6 Feb 1978  Fire

6 Feb 1989 – 26 Jan 1990   Earth

THE YEAR OF THE SNAKE

This is a time to re-consider the course of events which began in the previous and frenetic Dragon Year. It may mean that now one should back away from increasingly tense situations, and review schemes which may be on the point of running off course.

There will be back-biting and malice in the air, rather perversely due to the fact that this is generally a stable, calm and peaceful year, with congenital meddlers having little else to occupy them. In personal matters, it would certainly be unwise to engage in any kind of activity which would provide ammunition for purveyors of gossip.

The Year of the Snake is also a dangerous one for governments, who can be overthrown not only by revolution or the ballot box, but by the machinations of factions determined to embarrass those in power. But whatever political conspiracies there maybe, the coming of the Snake Year is likely to indicate an improvement in the financial position.

Socially, the period is marked by an increased awareness of the needs of the environment: and a general war against the ravages of industrial encroachment on to the countryside will be matched in the cities by endeavors to improve the appearance of public places.

Generally, it is a time for refinement and artistic progress, revealed in fashion by a welcome trend towards grace, elegance, and economy of line, rather than the garish, startling decorating architectural elements, sculpture, etc., in a variety of colors, which are often a feature of Dragon-style.

HOW EACH ANIMAL FARES IN THE SNAKE-YEAR

The Rat

This is a year of limited progress for those born in the Year of the Rat. Matters will proceed much more quietly during this year than in the last; and indeed, such advances as are achieved will be the results of careful planning in the past. It is important to continue to save this year, for leaner days ahead.

The Ox

The Year of the Snake is a splendidly successful time for the usually staid Ox-type. There are opportunities for social advancement, bringing a wide variety of new friends experiences: and business prospects are sound,  with an additional sign of honor and recognition and for an achievement in some other field. For those thinking of marriage, the time is very auspicious, with a likelihood of younger partner.

The Tiger

This year will not be easy for the Tiger-personality who is used to making headway without much opposition. Obstacles are likely to present themselves in the form of bureaucratic hindrances and legal tangles. Money may not be readily available, and there could be undue expense involving other people, perhaps through assisting members of the family, or an illicit affair which will prove costly. The year will not be without its anxieties, and health may suffer as a result. On the positive side, some unexpected financial gain is indicated.

The Hare

This year augurs well for the naturally cautious Hare. Careful budgeting and an eye for value has ensured that the Hare has the resources to make some very shrewd business dealings. In personal relationships, however, the Hare is less careful and could well be the focus of gossip. However, the Hare cares not one whit.

The Dragon

This year, many of the Dragon’s more elaborate schemes and plans bear fruit, including those that were the object of derision when first mooted. The proof of considerable investments lies in their returns, which will vindicate the Dragon’s faith in all such projects. While fully satisfying, the year will lack any great excitement.

The Snake

This is the peak time for people born in the Year of the Snake, the stage is set for a grand entrance. The Snake’s ambitions not so much monetary or romantic, but personal status; and here at last, comes the acclaim and recognition which has been elusive for so long. The Snake will be introduced to people of high standing, and those in the public eye will be accorded the most favorable criticism. Finances should be more stable than before, and business prospects are extremely sound. Career women will find this a very successful period.

The Horse

Is only a moderate year for those born in the Year of the Horse, and progress may seem slow. It is a period of stability rather than expansion, allowing the Horse-type an opportunity to establish firm foundations for future dealings. There are no remarkably outstanding business projects and romantic affairs are marred by jealousy. On the positive side, the time is favorable for making improvements in the home.

The Sheep

This is a happy year for the Sheep-personality; one in which events go well in all spheres of activity. Travelling with a group for a specific purpose, such as a research project or a convention, is likely, as is involvement in committee or voluntary work. Those involved in the arts, particularly music, will find this an extremely rewarding and creative period.

The Monkey

The Monkey has to be particularly careful this year. Methods which have worked successfully in the past may have outlived their usefulness, and the Monkey could find formidable opposition in both business and romance. Financial deals fall below expectations, and an outsider maybe given the promotion that had been expected. Personal relationships suffer, and an infidelity may lead to a break-up.

The Rooster

For those born in the Year of the Rooster, this will prove to be an exceptionally successful year, since the Snake shares many of the Rooster’s own preferences and priorities. Normally outgoing and forthright, the Rooster may decide to adopt many of the methods used by the Snake – discretion, tact, confidentiality – to make a considerable advance into the opposition’s territory. Romantic affairs are highlighted this year, whilst finances are much more secure.

The Dog

This is a moderate year for the Dog-personality, with the promise of financial security, but with a few worries still standing in the way. Fortunately, the position is becoming increasingly stable. Personal relationships jog along unremarkably. This would be an ideal period to start planning ahead, or to save for some ambitious project which can be put into effect next year. For the moment, however, large-scale projects are best left to one side.

The Pig

Domestic bliss is rudely shaken this year by a number of unfortunate episodes. A previously close-knit family may suffer disruption due to certain members failing into disgrace, or being the target of gossip and scandal. This will not unnaturally cause great anxiety to any caring parents born in the Year of the Pig. Health to may be an area for worry and it may be necessary to heat up some savings. However, the pig is resilient and robust and will as ever cope with this.

Gung hay fat choy (Happy New Year in Chinese)!!! Last month we discussed awareness, this month we discuss LOVE! @ Morning Crane we love LOVE!    In Greek there are 3 words for Love: Eros, is romantic love, Philia, is reciprocal love among friends. (Philadelphia) (Philia/Delphi [Delphi means Womb]) Eros & Philia are focused on others.

The 3^rd type of Love is AGAPE. Agape is an overflowing love that is unconditional and seeks nothing in return. This is the type of love that creates miracles and changes the world.

Love is Life, Life is Love. Sound simple? Perhaps not. Agape resides deep within you. It is the Life Force Energy (Chi) that emanates in all living things. It keeps our heart beating and breath flowing. We all have access to it. Yet accessing it is the most powerful work you will ever do, and the most challenging. Why is it so challenging?

Because of the natural cynicism of our minds. “Oh that’s just airy-fairy stuff.” or “Nobody loves me, so why should I bother.” Sound familiar?! Your critical mind will do everything it can to keep you from experiencing the fullness of your potential. It will prevent you from gaining contact with the Love that is the source of Life within you.

Feeling Unconditional Love does not mean that you are going to always have a beatific smile on your face while you are being faced with decreased income, loss of home, or difficulty in your relationships. The Love we are talking about is not syrupy, sweet, and blind. It is the deepest essence of your Being. It requires practice and discipline. Learn how to return to this as your home base, no matter what you are confronted with. This will be the most rewarding transformation you will ever experience in this Life. Change your life in ways you never imagined possible.

Ask yourself: What can I do today that gives back to me? What actions can I take to show a bit of appreciation towards myself? Where can I go that is going to uplift me and make me feel good now and tomorrow?

Here are a couple of suggestions:

• First of all, it is necessary to recognize the uncomfortable feelings you are holding onto about yourself. Come into contact with any judgments, criticism, self-loathing you may be experiencing for yourself.
• Notice anyway you move away from these feelings, the way you avoid this part of yourself, because you make the very presence of these feelings wrong. It’s a vicious cycle: Judging the judgments.
• Now, for just a moment, sit quietly, and breath into this discomfort, no matter what it contains. This is not a moment to figure it out, analyze or resolve anything. It is a moment to be present with your own vulnerability and pain. To allow the heart to open it is necessary that we bring an energy of tenderness, caring, kindness, gentleness; in essence, we must meet our self with compassion and accept who we are.

Breath into your heart, notice any tension. Let your breath melt the tension and leave your body. Keep doing this until you feel a loosening of your heart, an opening. This opening is what allows Love to flourish inside of you – Go for it! Enjoy!!! With Love anything is possible.

ToeSox

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