In the TCM cosmology, the season of Winter is governed by the spiritual archetype of Zhi (Will-Power), the antidote to the Fear that can otherwise run rampant during this time of year. If it seems counterintuitive that the most Yin season is associated with Will-Power, remember that balance is attained in the meeting and interaction of polar forces, creating the movement necessary to recalibrate in the face of (constant) change. While more and more people are calling to refrain from big new year’s resolutions in the dead of Winter, TCM wisely reminds us that this is a time for tending to the foundations of our health.
Zhi is housed in the Kidneys, considered the root of our health in many ways, and herein lies an important connection between our foundations and Will-Power. Responsible for our capacity to think, make decisions, and carry out plans, strong Zhi manifests as motivation and perseverance, and it can be approached as a muscle that must be exercised. Perhaps starting to work on lofty goals doesn’t feel aligned for you during this time of year, but even taking small steps to cultivate Will-Power can support us in profound ways—especially by using this opportunity to practice discipline regarding some of the foundations of health.
There are so many ways to align with the energy of the season in a way that can deeply nourish our foundations and help cultivate Will-Power to powerfully uplift us for the year ahead. Here are some of our suggestions for optimizing habits, minimizing decision fatigue, and getting the right herbal support!
Consider the habits you’d like to recommit yourself to if you’ve fallen off, or new ones to try that could support how you want to feel. Is it being well-rested and/or going to bed early? If so, maybe you’d be diligent about turning off screens for at least an hour before bed, p.m. reading instead of watching TV, or using red lightbulbs in your bedroom to help you wind down. Is it making sure you get in some movement every day? Maybe you want to look for a gym accountability buddy, commit to online exercise classes (even short ones!), or schedule walks? If you know that eating in a certain way makes you feel your best, you could make sure to have breakfast every day, increase your protein intake, or swap highly processed foods for hearty stews and soups that are still comforting, but also truly nourishing.
Minimize decision fatigue by planning ahead. Difficulty making decisions is associated with weakened Zhi, and having to make too many decisions per day can deplete our Will-Power. We can actually take a mental load off by putting some structure in place! For example, we might choose a few outfits or staple pieces for the week ahead so that getting dressed feels easy. Meal prepping is another way to minimize potential thrice daily stress about what to eat, by having tangible options in front of us that limit choices (and can even inspire fun combinations). We might also choose to prioritize decisions that are important for us to make, and delegate others. Even flipping a coin can interrupt the cycle of stress that could lead to feeling stuck!
Lean on your herbal allies, or make new ones! Yang tonics are believed to generate Will-Power and courage, as well as supporting mental clarity, focus, and even immune strength. Some options that still tend to the balance between Yin and Yang are Cordyceps and Schizandra. Meanwhile, Reishi, a Qi and Shen tonic, is actually one of our favorites because it enhances Will-Power but also soothes nervous tension and modulates stress. We can choose to turn to Zhi-nourishing herbs that tonify the Kidneys and replenish our deepest reserves of energy, like Deer Antler Velvet and He Shou Wu. Schizandra and Cordyceps fall into this category, too, and all of these herbs support healthy sleep cycles. As tonic herbs, these are essentially foods that are meant to be regularly incorporated into our regimens and rituals for long-term results. While the herbs themselves support the cultivation of our Will-Power, so too does working with them in the creation and maintenance of daily habits!