Within the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine our mind
and body are inseparable. So, while we may view the physical, emotional, and
spiritual realities of our life as separate affairs, they are in fact quite literally
mere reflections of one another.
An example of this interdependence can be observed through
the meridian system of the spleen/pancreas and stomach. Physically speaking,
these organs are responsible for breakdown, digestion, and assimilation of nutrients
from food.
On a mental and emotional level, they represent the same
process, but instead of food we are assimilating our thoughts, feelings and
experiences. In both cases, the job of this system is to separate what is
useful from what is not. In both cases, we integrate what we need into our
body-mind, and eliminate the residue.
When we are unable to digest food completely we end up with
indigestion, and fatigue. When we cannot integrate our thoughts and feelings we
end up with indigestion of a different sort: irritability, frustration, and
reactivity. These lingering energies also make us feel heavy and tired,
burdened as we are by life.
In order to maintain harmony on all levels it is therefore
important to allow time for this integration to happen both on the physical
level, as well as the mental and emotional one. Many of us would not swim right
after a meal, yet think nothing of going from one situation to the next without
taking time to breathe, feel, and collect our thoughts. This is one important
aspect of personal hygiene we are rarely taught in school.
Take time for yourself. Make space each day to feel and
breathe into the life and world inside you. If you suffer from digestive issues
especially, make this time for yourself a priority. There is nothing for you to
lose, and you may just be surprised at how much lighter you feel.
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