I’ve been reflecting recently on what it was like for me to learn Chinese Medicine in midlife years. I recall wanting so desperately to understand the concepts, to make them fit in the scaffolding of my views of and beliefs about the world. Some of them did, and many of them did not. Chinese Medical philosophy has some… Continue Reading →
Earth
Metal in this Moment
I have been most engaged this past week in the work and challenge of the metal element. I’ve been reflecting on both the physical and spiritual manifestations of metal through the lens of Chinese Medicine and also through the language of Christian narrative which hearkens us to hear about the pearl of great price and… Continue Reading →
This New Moment: Elemental Considerations
I don’t know what images and thoughts are coming to the fore for you in this unusual moment, but I am pondering how to be of use from a six -foot distance. My view of the world is informed by classical Chinese medicine and Christian tradition. Perhaps these lenses offer something to you… Continue Reading →
Autumn Practice
The letting go has begun. This is my take on autumn. When the chlorophyll that has washed over the bright and patina shades of red and gold and brown take their leave and the trees demonstrate a glorious dance and twirl of letting go. Autumn is the time of paying attention. It is the point… Continue Reading →
Summer Loving
Yesterday I went berry picking. It was a sunny breezy day after heavy rains and the berries were plump and relatively untouched by critters and bugs and summer’s dank heat. The flora and fauna were lush enough to give me pause as I trailed along in shorts and hiking boots vigilant for the poison ivy… Continue Reading →
Yin Time
A foundational principle of Chinese Medicine is balance. Specifically balance between yin and yang. Yang is life force, movement, action, activity. It is light, ephemeral, intangible. Yang is what moves the leaves in a breeze, it is the spark that awakens us from slumber. Yang is summer, hot, bright, open. Yang reaches to… Continue Reading →
What it is…
In my current field of study, the Holy Spirit’s work and evidence might be termed Qi. In Daoist thinking, all is qi. It is as if Creation itself and what creates it is all qi. Everything is qi, has qi, contains qi, gives qi. Qi is energy, flow, force.
She told stories of various things that had happened to her in years of practice. Giggles, tears, breathing, chattering, silence, even the occasional whoo! of a patient.
“It’s all qi” she said. Everything is qi. Just remember that.
Ritual and Reverence: points from within and without
This weekend marks the annual Greek Festival in our neighborhood. Allen and I walked to the festivities in the perfect afternoon as the sugar maple trees started donning their brilliant autumn splendor. With the smell of Greek food cooking at demonstrations and the sound of Greek dancing music playing to our ears we headed into… Continue Reading →
Heart
My nephew picks up his shoes and ceremonially takes them to the kitchen sink, in which he drops them with wild giggles. He is a full on heart song at times like this. He is a kid with that kind of spirit that can crack one’s heart open. I’m vaguely aware that this week is… Continue Reading →
water- wood- moon moments
I last left these pages in October, writing about Fire. This afternoon we saw one, blazing across the seagrasses toward our view, lapping its orange flames against our boardwalk, encroaching with gusts of wind and black smoke. We moved our car. We called the fire department. We waited. We watched. We smelled the scorched scent… Continue Reading →
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