Harmony

This week, I'm stumbling into new territory, something that has felt like it was patiently waiting at my doorstep until I made time to explore it. Nature, specifically through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine. As I dive into this art, it strikes me how the discussion of the Five Elements of nature inevitably leads to a conversation about ourselves. After all, we are not separate from nature! We might try to distance ourselves, but the attempt often results in imbalances.

These past few days have been filled with numerous "lightbulb" moments, but let me share the most profound insight for me. In Chinese medicine, terms like "enlightenment" aren't commonly used. Instead, it's about reaching a point where you allow nature to flow through you, awakening the seeds of divinity that already reside within you. Unlike the Western perspective, where the idea of shaping your destiny is dominant, the Chinese believe that nature has placed you in a specific time and place with ideal conditions for fulfilling your purpose and continuing your evolution.

You will face tests and challenges orchestrated by nature, and as time goes by, these lessons will become increasingly more demanding until you start listening. If you don't, you risk depleting your finite Qi, known as Jing. Without getting too deep into the technical language of this art, the core message is clear: the seed of divinity has always existed within you. It's been there from the start. All that is required from you is to step aside and allow nature to unfold. Nature will test you in the most unexpected ways. For instance, if you need to learn forgiveness, it might present you with something that seems unforgivable. Just when you believe you can't, you find a hidden reserve of courage you never knew you had. It's as if nature conspires to reveal your inner power when you need it most. Step out of your own way….