Deep within the philosophy of Chinese Medicine is the concept that we humans replicate the seasons and the external world within our bodies.
This is a metaphoric view of not only how connected we are to Mother Earth but that we are HER. And that the illnesses or dis-eases we mirror within often reflect what happens outside our window.
We, as energy beings, are sponges. We often happily allow the energy outside our door to permeate our lives without ever realizing its deadly impact (i.e., fear-based news) on our well-being.
Inside our world – yours and mine – are the seasons of our life, our personalities, our health issues as well as our pre-destined life.
Differing from the Western approach to wellness (with its scientific and segregated view), the holistic Eastern approach, equally wise but focused on not the machine-like aspect of the Western one but on something more intangible: that our bodies are capable of powerful wisdom and inner healing. And that any long-term healing must focus on all parts of us: our body, mind, heart and emotions. The key is to learn how to hear their collective language.
Two of my great teachers (i.e., Ann Cecil-Sterman and Master Jeffrey Yuen) remind me that my purpose as a mentor is to not only help my clients find the peace within but also to amplify it in myself.
Long before a disease appears, know that your body is always trying to guide you to find your center and connect you to the deepest yearnings of your soul.
In whispers, the body communicates. It speaks in pain, locked joints, indigestion, grief, worry, etc.
If we can hear its truth, its voices, its wisdom we have an easier path: a) recognizing early-on that there is a problem, and b) take action long before there is a severe break-down in the efficient functioning of our body’s systems. Often, in those peaceful moments, is when we hear the messages.
Chinese Medicine’s 5 Elements – this poetic and highly sophisticated method of energy healing – identifies five cycles:
Water (Winter – the dormant cycle),
Wood (Spring – the growing cycle),
Fire (Summer – the maturing cycle),
Earth (Early Fall – the nourishing cycle) and
Metal (late fall – the dying cycle).
Think of a tree, starting as a seed all the way to its dying phase – and the cycle renews…
We, as humans, do the same thing. How many times in your life have you birthed an idea (Water Element – Winter), planned and took action to bring it to fruition (Wood Element – Spring), achieved the idea (Fire Element – Summer), felt satisfied/nourished by a job well done (Earth Element – Early Autumn ) and, finally, put the idea to bed, letting it go (Metal Element – Late Fall)? These are our cycles of life, cycles of evolution.
Of course, the 5 Element Blueprint is much more complicated than that. Each of the 5 Elements is linked to specific organs that have unique roles. Always seeking balance, if an organ isn’t functioning, your body will steal energy from another to attempt to prop up the ailing or overworked organ.
Eventually the systems go out of balance (e.g., if my stomach is not digesting foods well, there is a good chance that my spleen might have difficulty performing. Then the movement of energy, blood, elimination and fluids within the body start to falter, leading to stagnation (and dis-ease) at many levels.
Long-term out-of-control emotions are as damaging to overall health as is a stomach that cannot properly digest food.
Throughout my years of studying Chinese and Energy Medicine, I have witnessed how very complex and beautiful healing can be and the critical role that peace plays as balanced and calm emotions are music to your body’s ears.
Just for today, seek out peace. Just for today do not open the door to excessive anything: food, emotions, negative news. Just for today, play, meditate, take long walks alone, create art, find peaceful people to accompany you on your journey.
Stay well. This is your way home.
Peace always,
Helene Anne
Helene Anne Fortin
PS If you ever need the password for my computer, try a variation on the word: peace. I’ve been searching for it all my life.
Helene Anne Fortin • kind mentor 