Coping with the transition from Water to Wood

It can feel strange to feel the shift from the Water Element to the Wood Element.

The Water Element can be difficult. It examines how we can rest, recuperate and reflect on the year, sometimes bringing an innate fear stemming from how we see our place in the world - our safety, our sustenance. And so, this can freeze us, make us feel heavy and overwhelmed, not ready to move into the Wood Element that awaits us at the end.

And yet if we learn how to harness that Water energy (just like we did at my Water Element workshop in January), we can use that restful vibe to keep us steady, make us feel stronger, and support us to feel empowered as we hibernate for spring. We learn to trust ourselves, knowing that the rest will follow.

What about the transition into Wood?

Of course, it can be tough if we are not holding steady. That anxiety from Water as we move into the restlessness of Wood, the overwhelm of spring being here now - not ready to jump into action and follow. This can show up in our body too: our necks, shoulders, hips. However, if we continue to respect and honour the Water Element, using it to our advantage as we move into Wood Element, we will find that the transition is easier.

Supporting the transition

What can we do to help us on our way? Well, we can use slow, gentle movement to support us to move at our own pace. We can learn how to balance rest and action. We can continue to honour our limits and boundaries - understanding where we are at, rather than trying to be five steps ahead even if it doesn’t suit us. We can be steady and intentional with our decision-making: honouring the Gall Bladder to govern direction and choice.

And finally, being in community can support us to make the transition to the Wood Element. If you are in Glasgow, you may want to join me for my workshop on the Wood Element: learning to harness it as we emerge into spring.