New Year's Resolutions have always been a bit silly to me, rather trite and arbitrary to decide to live life a little differently, a little better just because of the change of a calendar?  That was, until, I saw the new year in the Tai Ji, the ancient symbol of balance, representing the ever dynamic yin & yang.

The winter solstice is the darkest, most yin time of the year; the point at which the earth has wobbled as far back on its axis as possible before wobbling back toward center.  The nights are long and the days are short.  But in this most dark time of year is the seed for summer- the world around us shifts into having a little more light everyday.

Because we are products of our environment, our own days and nights and years are based entirely around that of our planet.  So as the world pivots here, it is in fact easier to create a shift within ourselves.  As the world moves from the deep, dark, cold of winter toward the vibrant bursting-forth of spring, we can decide what we want to put energy into to make our lives happier, healthier, and more authentic.

Happy New Year, and here's to year full of happy moments, and if they're not happy moments, may they be learning moments to lead us to living with integrity and peace.

Love Kali

Just as the trees shed their leaves, autumn is the time for looking within and letting go of anything that has served its purpose in our lives, of all that is tired, of all that is no longer useful.  

In the same respect, it is the season of the seeds.  This is when the seeds, who hold the potential to become the solid trees and nourishing fruits, find a quiet place to gather energy.  Here they rest in their potential through the winter, amassing strength from all around them in order to burst through the earth in the spring.

In this season of release and inspiration, we can more easily ask ourselves what experiences and ideas do we need no longer need?  And in the same respect, what it is that we want to fertilize and engender for our futures?  These concepts of self-worth manifest physically through the Lungs and Colon.  If you find yourself getting ill with lung or sinus congestion, or having challenges letting go- physically, mentally or emotionally- adding five-element acupuncture to your wellness regimen may help resolve these imbalances so that you can focus more energy on what inspires you.