The season associated with the Water Element is winter. The quietest, darkest, coldest time of the year. This season invites us to take an inward journey, to contemplate ourselves, the cosmos and death. Water is the Philosopher of the Five Elements.
Not only is water a formidable substance, but there is a sense of poetry contained within it as well. Placid lakes and bubbling streams bring a sense of tranquility and inspire our imaginations. While furious, stormy ocean waves can swallow whole chunks of land, destroying everything in its wake.
Strong willed, persevering and determined accurately describe Water traits. The process of making sea glass requires the total immersion of broken glass bits into salty ocean water. Ultimately, given a long enough timeline, the sharp edges completely wear down.
The silky smooth feel of sea glass is what gives it its signature trait. This process demonstrates the resilient quality of water, which enables it to patiently reach its goals. Whether it is wearing down its opponent, actively reshaping its environment or advancing new and soulful ways to shape humanity.
Being the Philosopher, water constantly seeks knowledge, and with time and experience, grows very wise. There is a tendency for introspection, investigation and independence for those endowed with strong Water influences. If overly focused on their inner world though, water can withdraw into seclusion and forgo the outer world and its responsibilities. However they require a certain amount of time alone, away from the demands of others, in order to recharge. This is why they must learn to balance their schedule, in order to make enough time for themselves.
The emotions related to water are fear and fright. Water, due to its high emotional capacity, is prone to experiencing intense fear. This may be more of an existential angst, but can also be connected with external circumstances. In an attempt to protect itself during times like these, water retreats into isolation
Winter is a time when fright and fear can reach their full height. Any trauma or illness this time of year presents extra challenges, making a speedy recovery less likely. Fewer hours of sunlight, and a massive slow down of activity in the natural world, trigger deep feelings of hopelessness. The climate is harsh, and punishing, in comparison with the verdant, fertile seasons of spring and summer.
The nature of winter may be severe but, it also brings wonderful opportunities with it. If we are resolute in our efforts to overcome our fears, we can be thrust into greatness. Fear, and desperation, may be the most motivating factors of all when it comes to accomplishment. Igniting the primal fear can force a radical shift in our normal, routine thinking- cracking it open, allowing flames of inspiration, and slivers of ingenuity, to transform our minds.
The organs associated with Water are the kidneys and the urinary bladder. The kidneys are the power station, the batteries for the entire body. A person’s stamina, vigor, capacity for wisdom, and the ability to deal with fear and adversity are measured by the energy of the kidneys. They have a big job of cleaning the blood, removing toxic waste products, and controlling the fluid metabolism in the body.
The urinary bladder is known as the Minister of the Reservoir. Fluid filtered through the kidneys travels to the bladder, where it is stored, and then excreted. The bladder’s function of getting rid of old, unnecessary fluids fortifies kidney qi.
Perhaps more than any other time of year sheer will power is necessary to survive. In TCM this powerful force, will power, is known as Zhi, and it resides in the kidneys. How fierce, or meek, is your determination to not just survive, but thrive, in this world? The condition of your Zhi provides the answer.
A robust supply of Zhi gives meaning to your life, and the impetus to exert your will onto your environment. This is a primal source of power, skill and personal authority. Zhi embodies the power needed to physically manifest the will of our spirit. It is an invisible force, but mighty in nature. Without it there is no ability to create life as we know it.
Maintaining your Zhi doesn’t have to be complicated. Resting when you are tired in winter helps preserve it. Learning not to unnecessarily overextend yourself is a prized skill that also benefits your kidney Qi. Breathing exercises, stretching and moderate physical exercise provides enough movement to keep your body in fit condition.
In wintertime, take the time to do nothing for a few minutes a day. Reject the pull of productivity and the call to work, or play for that matter. Enjoy a cup of tea or salty snack while in a quiet space without any distractions. Perhaps just let silence be your meditation for a little while. Look into the void and observe what comes to mind.
Contemplate the meaning of your existence, and your purpose. Or call to mind a fear and hold the sensation in your body as you accustom yourself to the feeling. Through this conditioning you can help overcome this fear. Perhaps you don’t want to try and think of anything important or epic. Let your mind just wander, daydream, and fantasize about inconsequential things.
When kidney Qi or urinary bladder Qi is in short supply, symptoms such as lower back pain (in the area of the kidneys), infertility, edema, mild joint pain and urinary dysfunction can arise. Excess fear, occurring in situations not warranting such a strong response, is also a possibility. One may also be easily frightened by sudden noises and other loud disruptions.
Water needs regular periods of retreat and silence. Providing the space and time to do so, before the burning need consumes one, is the best option. Daily meditation, gentle walks or just quiet time alone are great options. Soaking in warm, salty baths, especially at the end of the day when all responsibilities are taken care of, softens the sharp edges of reality.
For more intense work during the winter, try overcoming one of your most prevalent fears. Vanquishing any of your fears, no matter how small, restores vitality and energy to your kidneys. When this old, stuck fear releases, new energy floods the body and mind.
Groaning is the sound related to water. This is the sound heard when all hope is gone, the coffers are empty and there are no resources left to get through the winter season. This can also be the sound of fear releasing itself from the body. At the very least, the vibrations created by groaning, massage and soothe the kidneys. Don’t stifle your need to groan, as this is an opportunity for deep-rooted emotions to flow out of your being.
The associated flavor is salty, which means this taste benefits the kidneys and urinary bladder when eaten in proper measure. A unique property of salt is that it softens hardness. This happens in a couple of ways. You can ingest it, by way of miso soup for example, to reduce a build-up of thick, tenacious phlegm in the throat or chest.
Warm, salty broth in general helps soothe coughing, whether there’s the presence of mucus or not, by relaxing the lungs. Inflamed, red and toughened air passages soften and expand, reducing the spasms associated with coughing.
You can also soak in it. Inside a nice warm bath with Epsom, or any other nutrient-rich salt, sore muscles, achy joints and tired sinews find relief through softening. Muscles and joints loosen as pressure lifts and Qi circulates more freely. Dry-brushing your skin before a bath gives an extra boost to the detoxification provided by the soak in the tub.
The deep water of the world’s oceans bears a close relationship with The Water element. The associated flavor of Water is salt and thus relates to the briny, saline taste of the seas. Some very nourishing foods for the kidneys come from the seas, such as seaweed, oysters and clams.
Other particularly nourishing foods include ones with a dark or blue color to them such as dates, black beans, blue potatoes, black sesame seeds, black olives and black lentils. Consider using unadulterated salt like Himalayan or sea salt. Unprocessed is always best because it preserves the natural state, rendering it more nutritious.
In TCM there is a saying- Winter is the most generous season. It’s a natural time to go quiet and contemplative. Not much is happening above ground in nature. Energy consolidates below ground, in the roots of trees and in the burrows of hibernating animals. The most productive thing one can do is conserve energy, stay hydrated, keep warm and become The Philosopher. There’s no other season that will reward you for doing so little!
