Creativity, Chinese Medicine, and Spring
Here is an excerpt from a recent newsletter! In each newsletter, in addition to clinic updates, I share a bit more about Chinese medicine and how it is connected to our lives. If you like this information, click here to sign up to receive the newsletter! - Kate
One of my favorite parts about Spring is the rush of creative energy that seems to come along with it! After the quiet hibernation of winter, the rush of new energy and growth often makes us want to start new projects, start fresh, or try something new. It may not be surprising that In Chinese medicine, Spring and its associated organ, the Liver, is connected to creativity!
In Chinese medicine, one very common pattern is Liver Qi Stagnation. Qi can stagnate for a variety of reasons, but a common one is stress - when we’re chronically stressed, we tend to feel stuck! And, when we get stuck in doing the same thing day-in-day-out, things can start to feel a bit stale (to say the least!). One fun way to break out of this stagnation is to try something creative or new.
So, this spring, try intentionally setting some time aside to explore your creativity a bit - whatever that looks like for you! Some ideas could be:
Take a class or try a new hobby! Whether you’re interested in an art class at the Des Moines Art Center, a pottery class at Kunzler Studios, a cooking class with the Culinary Annex, or a class at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden - Des Moines has lots of options. Interested in traveling a little further? Ted Lare Garden Center has a variety of garden and art-related classes. Can’t make an in-person class? Try an online class with DMACC. The online options are almost limitless - just start googling! Many artists offer classes online.
See a show or movie! The Des Moines Performing Arts Center always has something showing. If you’re a Hamilton fan, Renee Elise Goldsberry is coming soon! (aka Angelica Schuyler!)
Check out an art show or gallery, like First Fridays at Mainframe Studios or another local gallery.
Take a class from the Des Moines Library - check out their schedule here! Or, join a book club - there are some cool options for everyone, including an online cookbook club!
Plan an adventure for yourself, whether you do it alone, with friends, or with a group (check out Wander Women!). This could be trying a new food or drink, visiting a new location, or just planning a fun day that is a break from your routine.
Embrace the Spring energy and spring clean and redecorate your space in whatever way makes sense for you. Donate things you no longer need, upcycle things you can find a new purpose for, hang some new art, rearrange the furniture…
Try journaling! This can be more than just writing about your day, though that is great too. Nature journaling and art journaling (plus a few more resources on art journaling) are two ways you can try to stretch your creative side!
You get the idea! The point is to try something new that engages the creative side of your brain or helps you break out of your routine.
A side note on perfectionism: we can often feel nervous about trying new creative things because we’re worried we will do it wrong or badly. Interestingly, perfectionism or “Type A” thinking is also often related to Liver Qi Stagnation too - so pushing yourself to experiment, try something new, and not be perfect at it is good for you! (If this sounds like you, you’re not alone - I have to tell myself this a lot 😂) Remember, this process is for you - you don’t need to share what you make with anyone else!