The Wood Element represents growth, flexibility, and the flow of energy. The Liver and Gallbladder are the organs associated with this element. One of their jobs is to make sure our qi flow is smooth and everything within us is getting the qi it needs to maintain harmony. They are busy making decisions about where, when, how, how much qi is going out. This isn't limited to the inner physical body. It extends to the planning, development, creativity in our lives. 

To simplify the message: we stress this Organ System by overdoing, overthinking, over-emoting, overeating, and over-stimulating ourselves! We all know we can help maintain the flow of qi by maintaining balance and harmony in life, but it's difficult in a culture that supports overachieving at all costs!

Practices of mindful movement help. 

 Warmups targeting the Wood Element emphasize the importance of flexibility in the connective tissues, including ligaments and tendons - the tissue of the Wood Element. This flexibility...

Spring represents renewal and growth, and just like every phase, has lessons for us. 

The climactic factor of the Wood Element and spring is wind. Wind is always moving and shifting. We can't control it, so by learning how to move with the wind while remaining grounded, we cultivate a practice that supports physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

The Significance of Flexibility in Mindful Movement like Qigong and Taiji

Incorporating the principle of flexibility into your practice is essential, especially when working with the Wood element. Flexibility allows our bodies to adapt to external conditions rather than resist them. Just as trees sway in the wind, a flexible approach in Qigong and Taiji encourages us to let go of rigidity and embrace natural movement. This is not just for the physical body, it teaches us to be less rigid in the rest of our lives.

When you're moving with the wind, you are softening to the flow rather than pushing against it. This adaptability fosters...