HOW WILLPOWER AND FOLLOW-THROUGH AFFECT YOUR OVERALL WELLBEING
“When one thinks of something, decides on it, and then acts on it, this is called willpower (zhi).”
- Zhang Jiebin
Winter is the time of year when many people lose their motivation. The days become shorter, the weather gets colder, and finding that extra motivation can be a challenge.
Whether you’ve set a resolution and are beginning to waiver from it, or are looking for new motivation to complete lingering goals, take a few minutes to understand how follow-through and completion can impact your physical and emotional wellbeing.
In Chinese medicine, we correlate organs with their respective seasons. Winter is the season related to the kidneys. The kidneys are the root of yin and yang, which are the essential forces necessary to maintain a balanced life. In a spiritual sense, the Kidneys also correspond to zhi, or willpower. Willpower determines whether or not you complete a task, and also carries a component of destiny. When your actions are aligned with your life's purpose, zhi comes easily. When you place yourself in situations that do not serve you, zhi presents obstacles to steer you back on track. The kidneys represent this guiding light, giving you the power you need to become your best self. By cultivating zhi and being true to your word, the kidneys become stronger as well.
I often explain to patients that the kidneys are like your savings account. It’s always best to leave what you have in your savings account and spend only from your checking. Every time we make a conscious choice to invest in the things we love, our savings account grows. We do this by keeping our emotions in check, doing the necessary life work to eliminate our fears, eating kidney nourishing foods*, and setting obtainable goals. Set yourself up for success by completing small tasks; then stretch yourself out of your comfort zone one day at a time. Throughout the process, always remember to acknowledge your achievements and enjoy the journey.
Every season brings different opportunities for growth. In the winter, we seek to nourish our kidney yin and yang, take extra time for self-care, and slow down from the hustle of life. By needling specific points, acupuncture can amplify the kidneys' power and therefore provide clarity around any life changes or goals. Through acupuncture, herbs, and dietary education, Chinese Medicine naturally supports the kidneys, provides balance to the overall yin and yang of the body, and cultivates essential zhi.
*Examples of foods that nourish the kidneys: cloves, ginger, cinnamon bark, quinoa, chicken, lamb, trout, salmon, millet, barley, most types of beans, & spirulina
Tagged: Acupuncture, Athlete's Corner
