“It sure been a cold, cold winter
My feet been draggin’ ‘cross the ground
And the fields has all been brown and fallow
And the springtime take a long way around”
~ M. Jagger/K. Richards

In 1943, the American psychologist Abraham Maslow first introduced his theory of personality widely known as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. The hierarchy consists of five basic needs:

• Biological and Physiological—basic life needs such as oxygen, food, water and sleep
• Safety—protection, security, law and order
• Belonging— family, affection, relationships
• Esteem—self-respect, achievement, status
• Self-Actualization—personal growth, fulfillment

While the hierarchy indicates that our physical survival is the basic need, Maslow’s observation was that a person will not feel the second need until the first one has been satisfied, nor will they fulfill the third level without satisfying the second one.

The ancient science of Feng Shui, which originated in China somewhere between 2,000 and 4,000 years ago, parallels Maslow’s theory in that it firmly supports that our physical environment impacts our physical, emotional and mental health.  Considered to be a major branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), feng shui studies the relationship between people and their habitat.

The human being is biologically wired to respond to his/her environment.  Through the use of our five senses we experience our physical surroundings.  Our senses react by sending messages to our molecules and cells, causing further reaction from our body and mind.  Feng shui investigates how who we are is influenced by where we are.  Using Maslow’s hierarchy as a reference tool, a feng shui practitioner can ascertain where a client‘s breakdown is that might be preventing them from fulfilling their needs or reaching their full potential.

Water:   The Element of Winter
In feng shui the world is defined by the following elements:  water, wood, fire, earth and metal.  Each element has its own characteristics and can be described in terms of season, direction, color and shape.   Water is the element that is associated with winter.  This is the season when animals and nature are in a state of hibernation and people are more reflective.  The direction associated with the water element is north, where the climate is cooler.   It is the time for refuge, rest, acceptance and stillness.

Water, which is represented by the colors of blue and black with flowing or free-form shapes, plays an important role in feng shui.   In fact, shui means water in Chinese.  Water and fire are considered catalyst elements as they initiate the shape and form of the other elements.  Water is essential to life.  Nothing can live without it.  An imbalance of water may lead to feelings of isolation and can also manifest as insomnia or a lack of clarity.  Too much water can make one feel overwhelmed or over-emotional.

Everything in our Universe is composed of yin (female/passive/cool) energy and yang (male/active/warm) energy.  With its introspective energy, water is considered yin.  In the winter months we turn inward and nurture ourselves as we prepare for the approaching newness of spring and the warmth of the sun.

A Holistic View
TCM demonstrates that each element corresponds to major organs within the body and when properly aligned and balanced will augment healthy living.  The corresponding organ for the water element is the kidney.  According to TCM, the kidneys are regarded as the source of all chi within the body.  They conserve our energy so that it can be used to combat stress, to heal and prevent illness.

Because we are influenced by changes in weather, a basic principle of Chinese medicine is that it is beneficial to align our diets so they are in harmony with the seasons.  While the recommendation is to have a balance of warming (yang) and cooling (yin) foods to promote a well-balanced diet, winter’s yin energy makes it an important time to eat certain foods that will nourish and warm the body.

To help satisfy the body’s cravings for warmth, consider adding the following yang foods to your diet:  hearty soups and stews, beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, beans, whole grains, sweet potatoes, squash, mushrooms, leeks, nuts and chocolate.  Another way to increase circulation and provide the body with yang energy during the sluggish winter is to cook with fiery spices such as cayenne and black pepper or garlic and ginger.

Beat the Blues
As a result of rain, snow and longer periods of darkness, many experience feelings of depression during the winter season.  Because there is less light, we experience lower levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin.  Combine this with the all too familiar holiday stress and most folks end up burning themselves out during a season when our bodies are looking for us to rest and conserve energy.   It is no wonder that millions suffer from post holiday blues as they try to transition from yang-like hustle and bustle to yin-like hibernation.

If the winter blahs have you fatigued or depleted of energy, try some aromatherapy.  Smell is the only sense that triggers a purely emotional response.  Ginger, lemon and rosemary stimulate and energize.  Lavender calms and eases stress.

Candles represent yang energy and can also be used to balance water’s yin.  Studies indicate that people respond positively to the aroma of food.  Burning a cinnamon or apple scented candle will evoke feelings of warmth and well-being.  As you welcome a New Year, pine candles can be used as a way to let go of what is old and no longer needed.

On a cold winter night, there is a lot to be said for the soothing and warming effects of a good book with a cup of hot tea or cocoa.  Nurture your biological and physiological needs by allowing yourself to feel safe as you kick back and take refuge in the warmth, shelter and comfort of your home.

To balance the yin of the season, tap into the tao and bring the outside in.  During the day, open the curtains to let in as much light as possible.  Place timers on your lamps so that you don’t come home to a dark house.  Be sure to stay connected with nature by taking short walks.  Take the time to keep your bird feeders full of seed.  The activity and chirping of the birds will add cheerfulness to your environment, as well as bring in some harmonizing yang energy.

In a society where instant gratification is sadly commonplace, tap into water’s yin energy of stillness and patience and just be.  Learn from nature; bulbs lie dormant and rest as they absorb the nutrients that are needed before emerging for another season.   Use this time to re-charge, dream and plan for the changes that you want to make in the approaching spring, where new beginnings abound.  Increase your inner awareness.  Let the water energy help you to go with the flow of life.  Trust in your intuition and in the Universe.