Slow down, it’s not spring yet.
The Taoist concept of Wu Wei means doing without doing. It’s about going with the flow, not pushing against it or speeding things up. It’s about being comfortable without an agenda or desired outcome.
In Chinese Medicine, winter embodies Wu Wei. It’s a time of stillness, gestation, incubation, restoration, and rest. It’s quiet and slow, belonging to the Water element which stores Jing (our vitality) relates to the Kidneys, ears, and bones and houses our Will.
Imbolc, a Celtic tradition, was celebrated last week. It marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It’s a time to notice, clear, and quietly prepare for spring. We see daffodils pushing through and days lengthening, but quiet still prevails. The trees are bare, radiators are on, and days are wet and short. Something’s different because winter’s worst is over but spring hasn’t arrived yet.
These ideas all encourage us to slow down and simply be. We often rush through seasonal changes, maintaining our usual productivity. However, as nature draws in, so should we.
By honouring winter’s quieter rhythm, we protect our vitality. When we get comfortable with Wu Wei, we nourish our resilience. This season invites us to rest guilt-free, simplify without resistance, and trust that doing less is doing enough. By slowing down, we prepare for spring’s rush. Wu Wei, winter, and Imbolc remind us that resting quietly isn’t an inactive pause; it’s essential for replenishing our energy, refuelling for life’s activity and exuberance.
Here are three Chinese Medicine tips to support us during this time:
- Prioritise warmth and rest. Cover your low back, feet and neck to protect your kidney energy. Sleep is medicine in winter so aim for earlier nights and later mornings.
- Nourish yourself with warming, slow foods like soups stews bone broth root vegetables and gently spiced dishes to support digestion and conserve internal heat.
- Practice quiet reflection through meditation breathwork and journaling. These align with Wu Wei and help anchor your spirit during this introspective season.