Qigong, Meditation, and Activities for Winter

the Kidney is associated with the winter because of the connection with the Water phase. One of the main functions of the Kidney, mimicking the very nature of Water and winter, is to store the Jing-essence (精). The Kidney forms the basis for our physical strength and is thus linked to our overall vitality and longevity. In winter therapeutic exercise such as Qigong or meditation should encourage the body’s ability to protect the warmth and strength of Qi on the interior and encourage the body’s ability to store Qi in a state of inner quiescence.

As the Water phase season, winter represents the state of closing and storage. All of nature is in a state of stillness and hibernation. Meditation practices can follow this same idea so as to help our bodies resonate with winter. Activities should represent the season with a turn inwards, with more self-reflection, quiet time writing, reading, listening to music, and other soul-nourishing activities. Winter is a time to slow down and feed ourselves both physically and spiritually. The good news is that Winter can be enjoyed by everyone if we live, eat and exercise according to the season and pay attention to our body’s preferences.