Week 4 - Wood
Reading Goal: Read and share your thoughts and questions on the Wood chapter of the book
Extra Credit: Do the exercises at the end of the chapter and listen to Get Motivated and A New Perspective
“They [the spirits of wood] endow us with the ability to discern our path, stay clear on our direction, imagine possibilities, move forward toward our goals and take a stand for what we believe is right.”
~Lorie Dechar, Five Spirits: Alchemical Acupuncture for Psychological and Spiritual Healing
At first, Wood may seem like a less intuitive Element to include in the Five Element system. However, after reading this chapter you should have a better understanding of how this element works in nature, the body and its role in achieving goals.
The tree metaphor is one that can be useful when planning and executing a goal. I recorded a series of in depth podcasts on the topic called Get Motivated and A New Perspective for Spring to help you understand this concept.
The emotion most connected to Wood is Anger.
While anger can be destructive if acted upon inappropriately, it is also a powerful energy that can help you catalyze big changes. Cultural revolutions are most commonly a product of enough people being fed up with the status quo to band together.
Yet for seekers and yogi's we may have learned that anger has no place in spiritual life. The contemplation at the end of this chapter may offer you some insight on your own relationship with this emotion.
Wood Questions and Discussion Ideas
1) Is this element one you personally resonate with? Any questions about the season, theme, organs or constitution?
2) What is your relationship to anger? What have you been taught to believe about this experience?
3) How are the themes of Wood present in your life right now? Where could you use the path of foundation, focus and freedom?
4) Do you know anyone who might be a Wood type? How does learning more about this constitution change your thinking about them?
Share your thoughts on any of these points OR ask questions you have from this section in the comments below.
