Spring Returns - a bit late

   This year Spring seems a bit late, hence I am writing this year's Spring page in April instead of March, even though the Spring Solstice in March officially marks the beginning of Spring, for the weather we have had here said otherwise!
   Endless days of rain and cold, and even a surprise snow storm covered the spectrum of possibilities during this time. Winter coats, hats, boots and gloves remained in use, as well as the snow shovels and ice scrapers. It was a damp and biting cold. However, just over the last few days, almost mid April, are the first hints of true Spring.
   So enjoy reading below the article about the transition to Spring and the necessary cleansing at this time of year.

 March is the beginning of many new things as the seasons begin to shift and change, leaving winter slowly behind, and spring fast approaching. Sunlight has already increased, the days are longer, the quality of the sunlight is so brilliant it is inspiring.
   And with all of these changes beginning to onset slowly, our bodies naturally start to cleanse and shed the toxins gathered in winter. Although March 21st marks

The First Crocus of Spring

the official beginning of spring, there seems to be signs of spring already. For the first time in a long time the birds were out and singing. The  neighborhood hawk returned, seeking food no doubt. There is a warmth in the air. Things are beginning to grow and the grass is turning green, sun light is pervasive.
   So how to best facilitate the process?
   Cleansing is one of the most important aspects of spring, but first is to look at the approach to the season of spring through Chinese medicine. Spring is represented by the element of wood and governs the body organs of the liver and gall bladder. Wood governs trees, plants, humans, anything that is living and grows. Trees have roots, a trunk and limbs, humans have the spine, and limbs and joints.
   People with a severe wood imbalance may have spinal issues, rigidness in their bodies and personalities, arthritis flare ups, joint pain, bone issues.
   The color for spring is green. Pale green is new growth, while dark green is old growth. You can see this clearly in ivy, for the new shoots are green and the old growth is dark green.
   If a person strongly craves or dislikes green intensely it may suggest an imbalance in wood.
   But the color green can also be very healing. Spring represents new life and birth. Most animals have their young in the spring. In spring we have new ideas, inspirations, fresh starts and new beginnings. Spring always inspires and moves us into action.

The Rabbit Has Returned for Spring!

   The element of wood also gives us clarity and the ability to focus and plan things. If you cannot seem to ever manifest or plan things you could have weak wood element. If you overcompensate and try to control everyone and everything around you, you could have excessive wood energy.
   The direction for spring is the East, for the sun rises in the east. Wood clearly governs the morning hours of the day. Do you ever notice how fresh each new day seems to be?

Trees represent the element of Wood

   The climate that goes with spring is the wind. March, at least here, is a very windy month as things begin to transition from winter to spring, and wind has a certain quality of cleansing to it. Nothing remains stagnant when there is wind, and things can be blown away. Wind can nourish wood, but too much wind is not good either. As an example of too much wind, it can lower one's resistance in general, spark up your allergies, make you feel imbalanced, stir up sinus issues, skin issues, and watery or red, irritated eyes, nose and throat.
   The eyes in general are the sense organ for the liver, and the sense associated with wood is sight. What do you see or perceive? Fluids like tears go with wood as well, and tears help us to shed the past. 
   The taste for wood is sour. Some sour tasting foods will nourish the liver. If you crave sour or vinegar intensely or dislike sour flavors intensely it might be a sign of wood imbalance. Other than vinegar, drinking lemon water goes with wood, and also cleanses the liver.
   The emotion associated with wood is that of anger, and shouting. Anger injures both the liver and gall bladder. Sometimes when people hold in anger or suppress it in any way it builds up toxins.
   The tissue associated with wood is muscles, ligaments and tendons. This makes me think of strength, making and keeping muscles strong, as well as being flexible. You may notice towards the end of winter muscles may feel somewhat weak, but then as spring progresses you may start to feel stronger.
   The element of Wood can sometimes be controlling and inflexible. There was a family who called me in for a consultation for their new home, and the entire interior was all heavy wood. My recommendation for that home was to add some of the color white to introduce some of the element of Metal to tone down the Wood influence. There was just too much wood. Too much wood can make a person dull, rigid, unexpressive or a tyrant.
   The organ that goes with Wood is the liver. The liver processes out toxins. Liver also has the word "live" inside it. Everything we eat, drink or take including vitamins or medications much be processed through the liver. We can become dull or lethargic if our liver is toxic and unable to process out all the toxins. The first line of toxicity is the kidneys. Once the kidneys become toxic, then the liver also becomes clogged and toxic, so the toxins stay in the body. So that is why we cleanse in the spring, to rid the body of toxins accumulated during the winter months.
   The liver is also a storehouse for nutrients, so it is much more than just processing out toxins. If your liver is toxic, most likely you will not get as much nutrition as you need.  The liver produces vile to help in digestion and then stores the bile in the gall bladder, which is later used in the intestines to break down fats. Too much fat in a diet could over burden the gall bladder. The liver also metabolizes carbohydrates, fats and protein, and also plays a role in blood sugar metabolism, and it also forms gamma globulin and plasma proteins for the immune system. It also makes agents for clotting blood, and both forms and stores vitamins A, D and B, as well as minerals like copper, zinc and iron.
   So things that affect the liver negatively are overeating, too much alcohol or drugs, too many chemicals in food or water, fried foods and heavy meats. Refined sugar and white flour is also stressful for the digestive system. Including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains (in moderation), seeds, nuts and beans is more nutritious and supportive to our organs.
   In Chinese medicine, a clogged or malfunctioning gall bladder can result in physical and mental congestion in the shoulders and head, as well as the hips and thighs, and is often a cause for headaches.

Cleansing
   There is no set rule for cleansing, for each person has individual needs, and people should not cleanse without letting their healthcare professional know.
   So for some people it means juicing for a few days and fasting in between, and there are many different cleanses available online or in books. 
   It can be as simple as drinking more water, adding more fruits and vegetables and greens to your diet as you see fit.
   Some people use herbs to detox, but again, your doctor should know about anything that you attempt. You can drink herbs in the form of teas if you wish.

   So good luck with whatever you do to celebrate spring, for a healthier, happy you!

Maery

Transition from Night to Dawn and Winter to Spring

Transition of Seasons

Winter or Spring?

   Well we are now into the month of March, midway in fact. But outside a fierce winter storm is raging - at a time when Spring should be peeking in around the corner in between sunny days and blustery winds so typical of this time of year. But nothing seems typical anymore when it comes to weather patterns, so the key perhaps is to be flexible and ready for anything.
   It has been a very mild winter here thus far, with many days above 50 degrees farenheit, even in February, traditionally one of our coldest months of the year. We thought we would get lucky with only 3 little snow storms, but now it seems we are paying the price.

The last gasp of Winter

   The weather experts are calling it Winter Storm Stella. It began on the west coast of the United States as a fairly big storm moving across the country, leaving lots of snow in the midwest, including Chicago, yet my brother in Michigan reported only about an inch of snow. Meanwhile, in the southern U.S., another storm was brewing and moving north, a warmer rain event, but slowly but surely it moved up the east coast of the U.S. On its way, as it moved towards colder climates, it left snow and cold weather in places like Tennessee that generally does not get much snow.
   But the amazing fact of these two storms is that they merged and they moved towards each other in the northeast U.S. in places like Washington D.C., New Jersey, New York and Boston. The merging of two storm systems is often called the "Perfect Storm" - not so much in that it is perfect, but indicative of its intensity and scope and precipitation.
   We all waited anxiously watching the weather modules, and as sometimes happens, the southern storm hit more of southern New York as first freezing rain, now rain and perhaps later on tonight as snow, still an all day event. Originally the snow was forecast to be 1 -2 feet. Instead the snow moved further inland and up into central New York State and Albany, our state capital. Connecticut too is getting significant snow fall.
   And we also have to add in the factor of the wind. It is indeed very very windy, with gusts up to 50 miles per hour. Sustained winds of 70 miles per hour or more are considered hurricane force, so this gives an indication of the strength and fury of the storm and wind.
   And Spring is officially arriving in 7 days!

Waiting for Spring

   So why talk about weather and storms and patterns? Because this is a part of natural living for real. To be aware of what goes on around you in life and in nature, rather than just what you read from a weather report or the weather channel. It can be fascinating and enlivening. Even yesterday was truly a calm before the storm. Everything was still and quiet, it was sunny, cold and crisp, with no evidence of what was to come. How quickly things can change.

Little Fawn in Center, and the Twins Last Year

The Twins Last Year

   It also makes me think of the animals and how they cope with weather systems. It is interesting that even in the midst of this storm's fury, I have heard the birds chattering all morning. Perhaps they too are anxious for Spring.
   That also brings me to the deer our community has adopted. Last year I posted photos and an article on 4 fawns who had become orphaned, the doe was obviously thin and not in good health and seemed to have disappeared. The deer here on the island are a bit smaller and less hardy, yet the population seems to thrive in our woods along the shore.
   Anyway it has been a pleasure watching them grow and mature. There is a small fenced area where the deer can come and not venture into the road to be hit by cars, and members of the community have brought all kinds of fruit and food for the deer. Now generally it is a rule not to feed wildlife, but for the first winter it seemed important. As time passed we saw the fawns less and less, and now I have only seen two, which makes me hope and believe they have accustomed to being wild and foraging on their own now.
   But there was one day, in mid winter, when we had one of our recent storms of about 6 inches of snow, when it was a very hard day and feeling quite discouraged in general, when driving past the spot where the deer are usually seen, I saw the bigger fawn nick named Little Fawn actually frolicking and leaping and playing in the snow, by himself, and it was such a joy to see. I only wish I had the opportunity to capture it on film to share with everyone.
   And so on this rainy, icy, windy, stormy day I bid you all farewell for now until we meet again.
   And remember, Spring is on the way! All the concentrated darkness in the world cannot put out the light of a single candle.

Best regards,
Maery

Winter Dawn from my living room window

A Winter Morning Sky

February - Longing for Spring

   It is only mid February, but already we are halfway through the winter season here. It makes me restless for Spring, and then Summer. Today in my travels I stopped in the grocery store and bought items to make a hot, nourishing soup to warm up, but at the same time bought many organic vegetables as though I am preparing for a Spring cleanse as well! If your body craves a certain food, sometimes it is what you need. I have also read that when you are ill, often the plant or herb that you need may be growing in your own yard. Whatever illness or malady you have, the antidote is often close by.
   I am cheered so far by the fact that the sun doesn't set until almost 6 p.m. by now in my area of the world. The only down side is that we have had many rainy days for the last few weeks and maybe only 3 or 4 days of sunshine, and not all day at best. But I cannot complain because the season is Winter and where things should be, and overall I can say last Winter (2016) as well as this Winter (2017) have been milder than the previous 4 or 5 years, where we had several blizzards and longer periods of cold weather down below 20 degrees farenheit. Of course people in northern climates will laugh at me and say that is nothing compared to our winters! But I am more suited for a warmer climate, so for me it is cold indeed.
   We did have one blizzard last week. I was in fact in Washington DC for work, and there it only rained a little, being further south than New York, but back home in the northeast it was alot of snow and high winds. The trouble was in trying to fly home again - taking 7 or 8 hours just to fly for 45 minutes. In Washington DC we had springlike weather the first night of our arrival and sat out in the sunshine by the Potomac River and at night walking to dinner we had no coats. But ah, the next night the temperatures had dropped, and the wind had a bitter chill and by the time we walked to the restaurant we felt frozen, and walking back was even colder. But good food and good people and good times made it all the more bearable. Next stop is Dallas, Texas, but by then it will be almost Summer.
   So now my soup is simmering and the clouds are back again, promising rain, and a change with the winds coming, but it is good to be safe and warm and make plans for Spring and to get outdoors. Today it was mild enough to walk on the boardwalk by the sea at lunchtime and good to smell the fresh clean air. Now night time draws near and good to be inside, waiting for my soup.
   So friends, below is the March Spring article that tells us how to cleanse and prepare for Spring, so we will all be ready.
   Be well.
Maery


   March is the beginning of many new things as the seasons begin to shift and change, leaving winter slowly behind, and spring fast approaching. Sunlight has already increased, the days are longer, the quality of the sunlight is so brilliant it is inspiring.
   And with all of these changes beginning to onset slowly, our bodies naturally start to cleanse and shed the toxins gathered in winter. Although March 21st marks

The First Crocus of Spring

the official beginning of spring, there seems to be signs of spring already. For the first time in a long time the birds were out and singing. The  neighborhood hawk returned, seeking food no doubt. There is a warmth in the air. Things are beginning to grow and the grass is turning green, sun light is pervasive.
   So how to best facilitate the process?
   Cleansing is one of the most important aspects of spring, but first is to look at the approach to the season of spring through Chinese medicine. Spring is represented by the element of wood and governs the body organs of the liver and gall bladder. Wood governs trees, plants, humans, anything that is living and grows. Trees have roots, a trunk and limbs, humans have the spine, and limbs and joints.
   People with a severe wood imbalance may have spinal issues, rigidness in their bodies and personalities, arthritis flare ups, joint pain, bone issues.
   The color for spring is green. Pale green is new growth, while dark green is old growth. You can see this clearly in ivy, for the new shoots are green and the old growth is dark green.
   If a person strongly craves or dislikes green intensely it may suggest an imbalance in wood.
   But the color green can also be very healing. Spring represents new life and birth. Most animals have their young in the spring. In spring we have new ideas, inspirations, fresh starts and new beginnings. Spring always inspires and moves us into action.

The Rabbit Has Returned for Spring!

   The element of wood also gives us clarity and the ability to focus and plan things. If you cannot seem to ever manifest or plan things you could have weak wood element. If you overcompensate and try to control everyone and everything around you, you could have excessive wood energy.
   The direction for spring is the East, for the sun rises in the east. Wood clearly governs the morning hours of the day. Do you ever notice how fresh each new day seems to be?

Trees represent the element of Wood

   The climate that goes with spring is the wind. March, at least here, is a very windy month as things begin to transition from winter to spring, and wind has a certain quality of cleansing to it. Nothing remains stagnant when there is wind, and things can be blown away. Wind can nourish wood, but too much wind is not good either. As an example of too much wind, it can lower one's resistance in general, spark up your allergies, make you feel imbalanced, stir up sinus issues, skin issues, and watery or red, irritated eyes, nose and throat.
   The eyes in general are the sense organ for the liver, and the sense associated with wood is sight. What do you see or perceive? Fluids like tears go with wood as well, and tears help us to shed the past. 
   The taste for wood is sour. Some sour tasting foods will nourish the liver. If you crave sour or vinegar intensely or dislike sour flavors intensely it might be a sign of wood imbalance. Other than vinegar, drinking lemon water goes with wood, and also cleanses the liver.
   The emotion associated with wood is that of anger, and shouting. Anger injures both the liver and gall bladder. Sometimes when people hold in anger or suppress it in any way it builds up toxins.
   The tissue associated with wood is muscles, ligaments and tendons. This makes me think of strength, making and keeping muscles strong, as well as being flexible. You may notice towards the end of winter muscles may feel somewhat weak, but then as spring progresses you may start to feel stronger.
   The element of Wood can sometimes be controlling and inflexible. There was a family who called me in for a consultation for their new home, and the entire interior was all heavy wood. My recommendation for that home was to add some of the color white to introduce some of the element of Metal to tone down the Wood influence. There was just too much wood. Too much wood can make a person dull, rigid, unexpressive or a tyrant.
   The organ that goes with Wood is the liver. The liver processes out toxins. Liver also has the word "live" inside it. Everything we eat, drink or take including vitamins or medications much be processed through the liver. We can become dull or lethargic if our liver is toxic and unable to process out all the toxins. The first line of toxicity is the kidneys. Once the kidneys become toxic, then the liver also becomes clogged and toxic, so the toxins stay in the body. So that is why we cleanse in the spring, to rid the body of toxins accumulated during the winter months.
   The liver is also a storehouse for nutrients, so it is much more than just processing out toxins. If your liver is toxic, most likely you will not get as much nutrition as you need.  The liver produces vile to help in digestion and then stores the bile in the gall bladder, which is later used in the intestines to break down fats. Too much fat in a diet could over burden the gall bladder. The liver also metabolizes carbohydrates, fats and protein, and also plays a role in blood sugar metabolism, and it also forms gamma globulin and plasma proteins for the immune system. It also makes agents for clotting blood, and both forms and stores vitamins A, D and B, as well as minerals like copper, zinc and iron.
   So things that affect the liver negatively are overeating, too much alcohol or drugs, too many chemicals in food or water, fried foods and heavy meats. Refined sugar and white flour is also stressful for the digestive system. Including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains (in moderation), seeds, nuts and beans is more nutritious and supportive to our organs.
   In Chinese medicine, a clogged or malfunctioning gall bladder can result in physical and mental congestion in the shoulders and head, as well as the hips and thighs, and is often a cause for headaches.

Cleansing
   There is no set rule for cleansing, for each person has individual needs, and people should not cleanse without letting their healthcare professional know.
   So for some people it means juicing for a few days and fasting in between, and there are many different cleanses available online or in books. 
   It can be as simple as drinking more water, adding more fruits and vegetables and greens to your diet as you see fit.
   Some people use herbs to detox, but again, your doctor should know about anything that you attempt. You can drink herbs in the form of teas if you wish.

   So good luck with whatever you do to celebrate spring, for a healthier, happy you!

Maery

The Harm of Palm Oil

Deforestation of Our Planet's Rainforests

   I have approached many different topics over the last year that I hope you have all f

tropical tree

ound useful, in trying to live a more natural lifestyle.
   But a few days ago I was eating some gluten free pretzels from the health food store, and had checked the ingredients more carefully. Shame on me for depending on the health food store for something I usually do myself - checking the ingredients of things I consume.
   On the list was Palm Oil. I had just read an article about Palm Oil not being good for the environment, which had intrigued me. The article claimed that the only way to make Palm Oil was by destroying the Rainforests where the Palm Oil is obtained. Were most makers of Palm Oil guilty of deforestation by destroying the Rainforests and not following proper procedures?
   It bears further investigation.

   But here is the point. Make sure to read labels. On everything. Find out what the ingredients mean. It is our responsibility.

   Tropical Rainforests aare responsible for 25-30 per cent of the worlds oxygen. They stabilize the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide. They provide a home for diverse animals and plants and maintain a water cycle.

   It is time to be more conscious of these things and to protect our natural resources. Lumbering and certain agricultural practices can lead to deforestization.

   It is all about trying to live a more natural life.

Best wishes,
Maery

February - Mid Winter

The road less traveled

   We reach the time of the year here where Winter seems to be at its peak. And yet, here, my Father always used to say January was the coldest month. In January we have the over lay of the old year and still facing the new year, it propels you forward at a tremendous speed. By February are we tired?
   But there is always something curious about February. When we get halfway through the month, I wait and watch for a new signal, a brief sense of Spring to come. It could just be a day when it is very sunny and cold and crisp, but there is something different in the air. It always gives me a boost, so that I know Spring is really not that far away.
   I mean really how does Spring onset, how do the seasons change? It's not suddenly Winter one day, although colder temperatures mark the change, as well as the heat of the Summer also marks another season. But it seems it all has to happen gradually.
   Not even the tide comes in all at once.

   I realize too when I write this that it is different where everyone actually lives. What is it like in Shanghai for my old friend who moved there? And family and friends in northern climes like Canada? And in the southern hemisphere where yet other friends and acquaintances live it is now Summer. And my friends in places like Norway and Sweden report that the Northern Lights are more spectacular than ever this year.

   Well all I know is that I look forward to the time when I know Spring is not far away. The return of the Sun.

   Until the next time. Following the cycles and seasons, trying to live a natural life.

Maery

Winter and Toxins

   We talked last winter about toxins in the home. Windows are shut tight, the heating systems are on. It is a time when mold can grow indoors, and problems with dust can also increase.

   But what about toxins we are not even aware of that may exist in foods or packaging of foods?


   I recently read and article in a local healthy living newsletter that talks about some unknown dangers do chemicals such as BPA. BPA which stands for bisphenol A, is an endocrine disrupt or linked to development problems in fetuses, infants and children. And although many food manufacturers have removed BPA from packaging, it can still be found in the linings of canned goods.

   There is a group called the Environmental Working Group has created a way for us to find out which foods may contain BPA. All you need to do is go on their website and check the list for offending UPC codes.

   Their website is Tinyurl.com/EWG-BPA-lookup.

   Remember winter is a time when our bodies store things, do not let an excess amount of chemicals be one of those toxins we do not want.

Another tip - remember that house plants will also clear the air of indoor toxins.

Be well
Maery

Return of the Sun

   Winter came early here in the Northeast U.S. We rarely ever get snow here in southern new York before Christmas. When we were growing up, my brothers and i used to pray for snow so we could have a White Christmas and go sleigh riding.

   So today, December 17th, we had our first snowfall. At 6 am there was already an inch, but then it continued until it was 4 or 5 inches. Then came freezing rain, promising to make the roads even more slippery. Followed by rain. So by tonight it will be an icy mess.

   Although it felt like a dark and dreary day, cold and rainy, I knew that as of December 15th, our sunsets here would be a minute later, so that by the end of January it will be light at 5 pm after work. About a week ago sunset was at the same time each day, instead of retreating even early.

   We still have the Winter Solstice on December 21st and that will be when day and night will be of equal length.

   And last year I wrote a lot about the effects that light has on us - how all the darkness so early in the day can make us feel tired, and some people depressed.

   But then I thought about light in terms of color. What can be more beautiful than light when it hits stained glass so that the color in the glass seems to radiate. Is color itself a form of light? Is light a form of color? Doesn't light break down into the colors of the spectrum? At least what we can see with our vision.

   So, if we are craving or  missing light, maybe the use of color in our lives can help compensate for that.

   Surround yourself with your favorite colors. The reds and yellows are warm, invigorating, the blues are cool and calming.

   What started  me down this particular path was looking at the sky and clouds. I was caught by the fact that some of the clouds in the sky were pink. I wondered why pink?

  The reason for colors in the clouds and sky is because light becomes scattered. I never thought about light in these terms before. So light are color are everywhere - we just have to see it with our eyes and conscious of our surroundings.

   Every sunset and sunrise are different colors every day. No two are ever alike, which to me is amazing. Imagine how boring ti would be if everything was the same every day.

   So the blue color of the sky is a direct result of what is called "Rayleigh" scattering which redirects the higher frequency (blue) sunlight back into the field of view. Blue light is scattered more easily than red, so the Sun can take on a reddish color when seen through a thick atmosphere like sunrise or sunset.

   As for clouds, when there is a greenish hue in a cloud, it happens when sunlight is scattered by ice. A cumulonimbus cloud (a dense towering vertical cloud) that emits green is evidence of a severe thunderstorm which can produce heavy rain, hail, high winds, and possibly tornadoes. Usually when I see green clouds I know to take cover or head home. The green is usually dark and heavy. the last green clouds I encountered was indeed a coming storm, complete with large hail stones! During Hurricane Andrew in the 90's, I heard from a friend about a greenish color. That was certainly a powerful hurricane, the beginning of a long line of severe hurricanes to pass through the southern United States.

   Yellow colored clouds are usually due to pollutants in the air, caused possibly by forest fires, or nitrogen dioxide in areas of countries with high pollution from industry.

    Of course the most common colors are red, orange or pink clouds which are visible mostly at sunrise and sunset by scattering of light from the Sun.

   Ever notice how the Sun gets bright red like a fiery ball when it is about to disappear below the horizon? That is because the angle between the Sun and horizon changes. If the angle is less than 10 per cent - such as just before sunrise or sunset - red is the most predominant color due to refraction so that any colors other than red cannot be seen.

    And lastly why are clouds white? Within the clouds tiny particles of water are "densely packed." Sunlight, our beautiful life giving sunlight cannot penetrate far into the cloud before it is reflected out, and the result of the reflected light is white.

   So when you can, try to observe sky and or clouds on a regular basis. You will be amazed at the ever changing colors, shapes, thickness, texture that you will see, like an ever changing kaleidoscope. It will connect you to nature instead of the bustle of daily work life, and so you will be, even if in small, living a more natural life. And feel the better for it.

   Enjoy and watch the skies. Thank you to what keeps on making the clouds.

Maery

sources: Wikipedia