The Peace of Lesser Doing

Ease the need to figure things out, allow your innate senses to inform the process

The earth is urging forth new shoots. As we begin the migration from a Western winter into spring, you will likely notice this impulse-energy adding more zeal to your aspirations. In order to thrive through this transition and optimize the potential of this cycle, here are some indicators that can help you discern your personal balance.

You may have enthusiasm for fresh endeavor, renewed commitment, or life change: the desire to assert and explore after hibernation. Characterized by plans and strategies, arrangements and decisions, this season is about activating new life from a permaculture of both past contemplations and future harvests. Vision is the embodied sense, both literally and figuratively.

Often burgeoning alongside this impetus are the qualities of restlessness, nervousness, and even impatience. While your vision is clear, the timing of key ingredients coming together might be awkward. Do not fret- circulate your ideas and allow the process its pace. These signs of anticipation are terrific validation that you are in sync with the season.

Scaffolding the new can cause strain. Headaches and migraines, tightness in the shoulders and neck, and blurry sight imply excess focus. There is a concentration of energy, but the flow is a little constricted. Efforts to stabilize what is “too loose to manage”, or trying to control circumstances with planning and organizing, can create rigidity. Loud sighs of frustration, difficulty in deciding, anger, and depression or sadness are clues that qi is stifled. Remember the new shoot breaking through the soil? Nudge your plans, let them air awhile. Make space for spontaneity.

Sufficient rest, be it in winter or nightly, allows wisdom to percolate. Rest, as well as thought-quietening activities, can re-set strain and tension. It also allows for your innate senses to inform and ease the exertion of needing to figure out the details. Tangentially cultivating confidence and trust, when qi flow is in balance, life spontaneously manages itself. The bonus is delight.

Treat yourself like the seed in the soil. Replenish your reserves in all regards, and allow the renderings of winter to propel you kindly forward. Allow the activating forces to orchestrate the way, and awaken in you the peace of lesser doing.
 
Points for refreshment and balance--
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Knead or tap the upper shoulder plane and the back of the neck. There are several points along the base of the skull (the occipital crest) that can release tension, clear your head
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QiGong clearing like dropping post and trembling horse, both shaking style exercises, shimmy loose stagnant energy and emotions from the tissues.

There are two opposing points on the lower leg that when massaged/stimulated simultaneously can awaken harmony between the meridians of this season (liver and gall bladder). Place the outer edge of a hand above the ankle bone. Where the outer edge of the thumb approximately lands (about 6 ½ inches) is Gall Bladder 37. Directly across, on the inner leg just behind the fibula is Liver 5. Massage these points on both legs.

​© Jen Jorgensen