Preparing for Winter + Training to Age
Are you the grasshopper or the ant?
Do you remember the Aesop’s Fable that highlighted the value in preparation and the demise of procrastination?
When does Winter begin?
Our culture here in America celebrates the beginning of Winter on the solstice on December 21st. But did you know that this is technically MID-Winter?! Asian cultures calculate the calendar in accordance with the Yin and Yang flow of nature (also known as Qi Nodes). So in fact, Winter began November 8th this year. Yes, the Beginning of Winter (立冬) was a MONTH ago!
Winter is the season of wisdom and reflection, according to Chinese Medicine. This chilly season beckons us to take care of our energy levels, look inward, and give ourselves the TLC we deserve. By listening to our bodies and focusing on our kidney health, we can give ourselves a powerful boost, ready to take on whatever the year throws our way.
The same intention needs to be within our internal season. As we age, ideally we become more wise and are more reflective than reactive. As we age into our Winter decades (image below), it’s really important to listen to our bodies and focus on how we can train to age well. We need to prepare for our age of winter. We need to be like an ant.
“WHO CARES WHEN WINTER BEGINS, MR. ANT?”
…said the grasshopper to the busy little ant. If you’re not familiar with this fable, here’s a quick overview.
Once upon a time, there was a grasshopper, singing all summer long, while the ants busily scurried by to stockpile food for the upcoming winter. Come winter, the grasshopper realizes that his tunes haven't filled his belly, and he turns to the ant with desperate pleas for food.
A take away from this story is to understand that there comes a time when we need to prepare for change, as it is inevitable. If we prepare, then we can adapt. And as an American culture, if we were told “winter is here'“ back in November, we could BEGIN OUR PREPARATION weeks before the actual zenith of Yin season, when the earth hardens and there is no opportunity to make plans for change. It’s already here.
The Western “surprise! it’s the shortest day of the year!” isn’t the beginning of Winter, we’re half way through winter and this teaches us nothing about preparedness and this translates into our Western culture regarding AGING.
Don’t lose your mind over this but some of you are already in your winter season and I’d say another group of your are PREPARING for winter. Gulp!
But don’t worry because there’s research that shows people can make changes in their 60’s and 70’s. HOWEVER, it’s MUCH easier to train for Winter starting in your 40’s & 50’s. When you train into your Winter properly, you can experience an abundance of energy & may even feel BETTER in your Winter years than your Summer years, this is called your ‘Second Spring’.
So how can you prepare for YOUR Winter decades?
Stay active so the brain knows you need your body to function. Explore movement from head to toe.
Get outdoors so you can put your training to practice & connect with nature for a calmer nervous system.
Strength train so you don’t lose muscles mass. Train to gain ability with slow strength training.
Eat well so you can nourish your body with anti-inflammatory food to support your brain, gut, lungs & heart.
Breathe with intention for 5 minutes every day. (Or even 3x a week can help!)
Socialize with unique people of different ages and different mindsets!
Do your Qigong. One easy practice are Kidney taps. Check out the quick tutorial here or click the video ——->>
Bamboo Bodies is relaunching it’s new program in March 2024!
If you’re interested in getting on the WAITLIST then click the button below!
When you sign up to be put on the Bamboo Bodies Relaunch Waitlist, you’ll immediately get access to the Neuro-Warm Up video that students have come to love. I'll teach you how to prepare the body for movement & awaken the Qi for better Qigong + Functional Training sessions. Also, when you sign up for the waitlist, you’ll be the 1st to know about F R E E workshops & prizes that I’m offering in celebration of the relaunch of Bamboo Bodies Online Membership!
