As well as a new year it’s a new decade, and the new moon arising at the start of last weekend saw in the Chinese new year of the Metal Rat.
The rat is the beginning animal of the Chinese astrological twelve year cycle. Having crossed a river to get to the Jade Emperor’s birthday feast first, the successful rat signifies a year of new beginnings, a strong, prosperous, creative and lucky year for all!!
Sounding good…..?!
As we left 2019, many of us may have found the political stalemate of the last few years oppressive; a divided nation, looking ahead to uncertainty and confusion, not to mention the ominous presence of climate change in the media alerting us to thoughts of a cataclysmically changing world.
For many of us it can be hard to find clarity amid the swirl of opinions, and to remain hopeful and positive.
In my clinical practice as an acupuncturist, I am often struck by how frequently stress and anxiety are a factor with people presenting for treatment.
The truth is, modern life can be complex and fast paced. On the one hand things have become easier thanks to technology. On the other hand we can feel bombarded by options, information and ‘things to do’. Pulling us away from a steady focus and drawing us in many different directions resulting in feeling anxious, overwhelmed and stuck.
Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. As acupuncture practitioners we work with concepts such as yin, yang and qi (pronounced Chee), which are principles that describe how energy and matter engage with one another, in a constantly moving integral dance. In relation to health, one of the causes of disharmony is when things become stuck. This can include ways of thinking. Or even too much thinking.
I offer some musings from the Chinese philosopher Lau Tzu (circa 6th – 4th century BC) to meditate on as we transition into this new decade.
Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them – that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.
[Lau Tzu]
Embracing change and living in accordance with the seasons are very important in Chinese Medicine.
Whilst we have been busy making and implementing our New Year resolutions, by the end of January, having set out full of good intentions, we may find our zealous change-making policies have come to a grinding holt!
It might be useful to bear in mind that winter is also a time to retreat, go deep within, restore and nurture ourselves. So before leaping up to implement a hundred and one new ways of being, perhaps a good plan might be to first become stiller.
To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.
When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.
[Lau Tzu]
From a place of stillness often the right way can become clear. From this point a good beginning may emerge.
Having planted the seeds in winter we hold them close, so that the process of ‘turning over a new leaf’ might naturally, spontaneously and joyfully burst forth in the spring.
Getting back to the story of the Rat ……..
The Rat came first out of all the animals because it utilized the strength of the Ox by riding on it’s back to get to the other side of the river. Metaphorically speaking perhaps this is the year to make life easier. When there is a friendly, willing person or situation that can carry you across troubled waters, why not hitch a ride? Look out for opportunities they are everywhere.
On that note I will leave you with a final thought.
Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.
[Lau Tzu]
Wishing you an inspired 2020
Charlotte Morgan
Acupuncturist, Yoga Teacher and Director
