The twentieth phase of the Chinese seasonal calendar Minor Snow (XiaoXue) starts as the sun crosses 240° Longitude (0° Sagittarius). Please join the thousands of practitioners worldwide who will usher this event by practicing the Minor Snow Empowerment. 

In this edition of the newsletter we will consider the changes that occur over the next fifteen days, the period of time coinciding with the seasonal phase known as Minor Snow, and we will observe how you can align with the cycles of nature to harmonize your life.

In Northern China during this seasonal phase snow flurries begin to paint the landscape white, while in Southern China cold rains muddy the countryside. Although the color palette varies throughout the country, Minor Snow is a time when the landscape becomes significantly colder, harsher, and less pleasant.

Snowflakes look pretty through a window, but our romanticized notion of winter withers quickly as we trudge through the cold ground and brace against the chilling winds. In her raw state, winter is not fun. Taking a brisk walk through the biting wind proves the point. 

Instinctively, we brace against winter’s cold weather by tightening up. We tighten our muscles, our fists, and even our face grows rigid. It’s hard to smile when we feel the cold sting of winter. The frigid environment creates tension which impedes the flow of Qi, weaking our immune system and undermining our capacity for emotional balance.

The emotion associated with winter is fear. The reason for this connection is simple. Our bodies tighten in a similar way both in the face of fear and winter. Watching an unrelenting chilling thriller, our muscles tighten and our bodies become tense. For our ancestors who lived closer to nature, the harshness of winter evoked tension and chilling, existential fear. The physiology of fear mirrors the physiology of winter. 

Imagine remaining in that uneasy state of mind for months. To some degree, this is what happens in the wintertime. And if we don’t take measures to counterbalance the climatic stress that winter places on our bodies and minds, our sense of well-being gradually erodes. The winter blues reflect this condition. 

So, what can you do to protect yourself from the stress of winter? You can fight the frigidity of winter by introducing more warmth and light into your day. Treat yourself to hot cups of tea and soup and spread the warmth to your internal organs. Soak in a warm bubble bath. Cultivate internal heat through activities that raise your body temperature. Melt the winter blues by having unabashed fun. Indulge in activities that make you smile and augment your inner fire. Sing, dance, or exercise.

Practicing the Minor Snow Empowerment will help you bring additional warmth to your internal organs. Minor Snow lasts until the third cycle of winter, Major Snow, begins. Until then, use laughter and joy to warm and brighten the day.