Dịch
As winter’s stillness gives way to the awakening of spring, I find myself drawn outdoors, where the world seems to hum with life. This is the season of the Wood element (木, mù), a time of growth, expansion, and renewal. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Wood element embodies flexibility, strength, and vision—qualities mirrored in both nature and my tai chi and qigong practice.
Each year, as the days grow longer, I feel the pull of spring’s energy. The scent of fresh blossoms in the air, the soft green shoots pushing through the earth, and the lively rustle of budding trees fill me with a sense of possibility. This is a time to stretch beyond the limitations of winter, to move with the energy of growth that surrounds us, and to imagine what might be possible in the year ahead.
Practicing tai chi in spring feels different—more expansive, more alive. As I step outside, the air carries a freshness that stirs my awareness. The ground, softened by recent rains, feels forgiving underfoot, reminding me to root myself deeply as I move. Each posture, each breath, is infused with the vitality of the season, as if the Earth itself is joining me.
When I begin my practice, I feel my body naturally responding to the energy of spring. Spring invites me to open up, to let my arms expand like the budding branches above me, and to follow the dynamic currents of qì (气, life energy) coursing through my body.
The Wood element resonates deeply with growth towards light. When I practice qigong, I imagine myself as a tree, my roots reaching down into the nourishing soil while my limbs extend skyward, embracing the heavens. This imagery reminds me that growth is not only upward but also inward and downward, anchoring me as I move forward.
Spring is a season of planning and vision, and as I move, I reflect on the year ahead. What do I want to cultivate? What seeds of intention will I plant now, knowing they will grow with time and care? The rhythm of tai chi and qigong mirrors this process, teaching me to approach each step with purpose and to trust that even small, deliberate actions can lead to profound change.
Spring’s energy is both gentle and powerful. There is an urgency in the season’s growth—a drive to break free from the constraints of winter. I feel this in my tai chi practice, where the balance between stillness and movement takes on new meaning. Each posture becomes a dialogue between rooted stability and the upward energy of spring’s renewal.
Outdoors, surrounded by the sounds of birdsong and the sight of trees bursting into bloom, my practice feels deeply integrated with the world around me. The variable air—sometimes windy, sometimes moist—invigorates me with every breath, while the sun’s warmth reminds me of the potential within. I imagine the qi in my body mirroring the rising sap in the trees, flowing upward to nourish new growth.
Spring also brings clarity—a chance to reflect on what has been and what is to come. As I move through my tai chi form, I consider the choices I’ve made and the paths still open to me. Just as nature moves forward with purpose, I feel the call to align my intentions with the energy of the season.
The lessons of tai chi and qigong echo the wisdom of the Wood element. Growth requires flexibility and strength. Planning requires vision and adaptability. And just as the trees bend with the wind, I, too, must remain ready to adjust my course while staying true to my roots.
This spring, I feel a renewed sense of gratitude—for the beauty of nature, for the teachings of tai chi and qigong, and for the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. Practicing in this season reminds me that growth is a process, one that unfolds in its own time but is always worth nurturing.
As the world around me comes to life, I am inspired to move with it, to embrace the energy of spring and let it guide me forward. Tai chi and qigong offer me not only a way to connect with this season but also a way to carry its lessons into every aspect of my life. In the quiet moments of practice, I find the clarity, strength, and hope that spring promises—and I am ready to grow.
***
Bring Spring to Your Tai Chi!
Join the TCF community for a free 28-day seasonal qigong practice, “Harmonizing with the Spring Season and Wood Element,” March 2-29, 2025. No experience is needed to participate.
Click here to learn more and to register.
You can learn more about tai chi by exploring the various offerings of the Tai Chi Foundation (TCF). TCF provides live online courses, allowing you to engage in guided sessions in the comfort of your home. These virtual classes offer unique opportunities to connect with experienced instructors, ensuring that you receive personalized guidance and feedback. Additionally, the Tai Chi Foundation offers Teachable on-demand classes, providing a flexible and accessible way to learn at your own pace. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, these online resources present a wealth of knowledge to enhance your tai chi journey. For those seeking a more hands-on experience, check out the regular course offerings of TCF’s affiliated local schools.
TCF is a not-for-profit educational organization that promotes, funds, and teaches programs that enable people to learn tai chi chuan and embody its principles.
Be sure to check out our new TCF 50th Anniversary Shop, where you can find stylish tai chi t-shirts and other great branded merchandise!
By Oliver Herzfeld
© Tai Chi Foundation 2025
Give a Reply