Flowing with the cycle of the seasons

In feng shui we draw deeply on the natural cyclical rhythms of the seasons to create a flow from one “season” of life to another. In so doing we honour and support each and every facet of our lives. In the Northern hemisphere we are welcoming Spring

Spring: In feng shui this has an association with our family/roots and connection to community.

Spring is the season of life associated with birth and childhood; the beginning of our life, as babies and young children, we experience rapid growth and development.

This essence of youth and vitality is associated with the wood element which deepens our sense of rooted belonging and supports future growth and development. 

The Bagua

The bagua is an energy template which is overlaid onto the floor plan or footprint of a building in order to show the energetic relationship between the built environment and the various areas of our lives.

This provides us with a view of the three dimensional flow of energy through our spaces, offering us insight into how we can reflect the dynamic  balance found in nature into our everyday lives as we work, rest and play.

Balance and Flow

In order to do this we employ the five elements found in nature and mirror the natural flow from element to element into our homes and workspaces.

Once we become aware of this energetic connection between ourselves and our homes, the practical application of feng shui to our spaces becomes like “nesting”. Applying feng shui to our spaces deepens our connection and belonging to this place at this time in our lives.

3 wood Chen/The awakening

In classical feng shui the area of our homes which we associate with this energy is the East (In western approach this refers to the middle left hand side of the property as you stand at the front door looking in. If this is new information for you, please read my blogpost on setting the bagua for your home. This is the area associated with family, rooted growth and new beginnings. Honouring this energy in our homes supports our own growth and development in our lives. 

The nature of the wood element can be enhanced with the addition of spring green tones in decor, vertical emphasis in design, tall healthy green plants and woodland  imagery.

Flying Stars- Rise up rested

This year the 8 mountain star sits in the East, reminding us to focus on self nourishment on every level; 

• taking in the right foods (in macrobiotics it is recommended to include cleansing foods in Spring- spring greens, bitters, nettle tea to cleanse and rebuild our chi)
• remembering to rise up rested – ensure that we are getting sufficient rest to support ourselves through this season of new beginnings
• making space for the right type of ideas for our minds and spirits- remembering to tune in to what we need to let go of and what we need to feel nourished and supported.

Supporting yourself and those around you

With this shift in energy, we are invited to support ourselves and others within our family and community. Being moderate in our speech avoiding excess and carelessness. Taking a moment to breathe deeply, rooting and centering our energy before speaking/responding.

3 wood  reminds us to hold healthy boundaries and to understand that  “No” is a complete sentence. When we need to say no in order to preserve or support our own energy, that is more than ok, that is an essential part of self-care.

How are you manifesting this springtime energy of rebirth and renewal in your life?

Here are some of my suggestions to tap into the rising and uplifting energy of Spring:-

• Taking a walk in the early morning, turning toward the rising sun and breathing in its fresh vibrant chi.
• Listening to the birdsong at dawn – the natural world is alive with hope and vitality – our ancestors listened to those self-same songs of Spring.
• Standing with your back to a tall tree, feel your feet rooting down into the earth, gaze upward into the tallest branches, feel your spine aligning to the upward and outward growth of the tree. This encourages your energy to come into alignment from the earth chakra beneath your feet, all the way up to your Crown chakra.
• Doing some space clearing to cleanse and uplift the atmosphere after the long dark months of winter.
• Clearing some clutter and throwing open the windows as you Spring clean your home with natural home made cleaning products. 
• Bringing in some Spring flowers from the garden to enjoy the wonderful Spring colours and scents.
• Diffusing some uplifting essential oils to brighten and uplift your energy and that of your home.

Learn more about how to integrate the 5 elements/cyclical seasonal energies of nature into every area of your home to support yourself as you journey through life in my book A Place to Call Home, your feng shui guidebook for design, connection and belonging.