With the winter solstice, we reached the time of utmost yin—the day with the least amount of light and the most amount of darkness. Despite our sunnier weather and slightly warmer temperatures, it is still winter, the season of water. In the last blog, I detailed physical conditions that may manifest more strongly this time of year and affect the kidneys (and bladder). With the turn of the new year, people often want to detox or fast, but five phase theory encourages one to wait until the proper time for optimum effect, which is spring, the domain of the liver.
The kidneys are the mother of the liver. Winter gives birth to spring. As we continue through the dark toward the light, the spirit, emotion, and virtue of the kidney provide a helpful beacon. These three aspects of water energy offer a fitting way to begin a new year and start a new decade.
Darkness is uncomfortable for many, whether it’s emotional or physical. But without dark, there is no light, so understanding its role in wholeness is important. Winter can be a time to sit with uncomfortable experiences and recognize them. There is no need for judgement, just acknowledgement. In fact, psychologist Tara Brach developed a technique of inquiry that uses an acronym related to water: RAIN. It stands for recognize-allow-investigate-nurture. It is a helpful way to learn to examine your feelings.
As the water organ, the spirit of the kidneys contains the same power. Think of how water moves, disregarding obstacles, following “the path of least resistance” (Dechar 291). Similarly, water fills any shape, any container. It reflects light. It is nourishing, cleansing, and essential for life. The Kidneys are the seat of the will, or zhi, housing our ability to move forward, make changes, and care for ourselves. What better qualities to cultivate for the new year?
While the new year often brings optimism, it can also bring unease. Perhaps this is not surprising as the emotion of the kidneys is fear. Our emotions serve us, if we let them. They provide us with information and can help us respond appropriately to a situation. Feeling fear is not a bad thing yet acting out of fear often is. Starting a new year can be a good time to examine your fears and consider what insights you can glean and whether the emotion of fear is directing you toward your highest purpose or further away.
At the core of five phase theory, is the notion that each one of us is given a mandate from heaven—or life purpose—to fulfill while we exist on the planet. It is an interesting idea. As the origin of our being, the kidneys hold our deepest wisdom. Not only are they in charge of the expression of our DNA but they are the storehouse for what we learn. In effect, it is the will of the kidney which helps us transform our fear into wisdom.
May the coming year and decade bring you all that you need to face the challenges and embrace your successes that lie ahead!
Works Consulted:
Dechar, Lori Eve. Five Spirits: Alchemical Acupuncture for Psychological and Spiritual Healing. (Lantern Books: New York, 2006).