Tapping into the Power of Nature's Energy: How to Harness It for Growth and Renewal

I never noticed it when I lived in the city.

I had to move to the quietness of the country to feel it: the sap rising. 

In truth, it’s more than sap. It’s what makes the sap rise to begin with: the energy of life moving towards itself. 

I’ve been exploring this concept in the last few 🌿Messages from Nature. In the 5-Element theory that’s the basis of Chinese medicine, it’s the energy of anger. 

In our culture, we tend to think of anger as being destructive. Chinese perspective is that anger is “I am” energy – the kind of energy that makes grass grow through the cracks of a sidewalk. It simply says, “I am.” Not “I am … at the expense of you.” 

It’s based on an ancient and rich history of observing Nature and the seasons. 

The first time I felt this energy, I was confused. 

I was walking down our dirt road, as I do most mornings, and something had changed. It was early in February, and the trees were as dark and bare as ever, the ground hard and cold. 

And yet… There was a subtle warmth I sensed—a tingling in my legs. 

If I put my hands out, palms towards the earth, I could feel something. Indefinable but undeniable. And it grew in intensity as the season evolved. 

I look for this sensation every early February (Ground Hog’s or Brigit’s Day), and, like clockwork, there it is. 

Now, in the middle of April, this energy is strong. It’s the force behind the grass growing, flowers blooming, and the trees bearing leaves. 

I’d love to share this beautiful awareness with you so you can appreciate it, too! Here’s a 3-minute tiny but mighty practice to try:

• Step outdoors. Relax and give yourself the gift of just being for a few minutes. Exhale and let go, breathe deep, feel the air on your skin, and look around with open awareness. 

• Now, sense the richness in the air. It might feel like it’s all pollen, and pollen certainly adds to the richness, but let yourself openly drift into the abundant field of awareness, too. Sense the field supporting the growth, flowers and trees. 

• Bask in it. Let yourself breathe it in, receive it, and let it heal you from the inside out. 

There, isn’t that amazing? It’s been here all along, too. You just subtly change your perspective, and there it is. 

I hope this inspires you to join us for an online Second Nature Reiki Mini-Retreat next month!  We turn sitting in Nature into a healing art form. It’s fun and heart-warming, and you’ll leave refreshed and inspired. 

The Science Behind Nature's Energy

The energy that drives growth and renewal in Nature is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that involves various biological processes. Nature itself is complex and full of systems and processes far more advanced than any human-made technology. 

At its core, this energy is fueled by the sun's rays and the process of photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy in the form of organic compounds, such as glucose. I’m taking you way back to your high school science days, aren’t I? This energy is then used to fuel the growth and development of these organisms. 

And all this happens naturally. It truly is amazing.

Cellular respiration is another key process that contributes to the energy of Nature. This is the process by which cells convert glucose into energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is then used to power the various activities of the cell.

Nature, quite literally, creates its own energy. Energy that we can see at work and some energy that we can only feel and sense.

Other biological processes that play a role in the energy of Nature include:

• Nutrient cycling: The process by which nutrients are exchanged between living organisms and the environment.

• Water cycling: The process by which water is circulated between living organisms and the environment.

• Ecological succession: The process by which one community of plants and animals replaces another in a given area.

These processes, and many others, work together to create the complex web of energy that drives growth and renewal in Nature. These systems not only work in isolation to achieve the goal they were designed to do, but they also work together in many symbiotic relationships to achieve even bigger goals.

Humans do the same thing. We have many systems and processes that we do in isolation to achieve certain goals, but our isolated systems also work together to achieve other, bigger goals. 

The Chinese Medicine Theory of the Energy of Anger

In Chinese medicine, the energy of anger is associated with the liver and gallbladder organs. This energy is seen as a powerful force that can drive growth and transformation, but it also has the potential to become destructive if it becomes imbalanced.

We know this to be true because anger is a helpful emotion. Humans need to experience anger; however, unchecked anger and unbalanced with other emotions, and anger can become destructive and hurtful. 

The energy of anger is often referred to as "I am" energy and is seen as a fundamental aspect of the human experience. It is the energy that drives us to assert ourselves, to set boundaries, and to pursue our passions and desires.

In Chinese medicine, the energy of anger is associated with the spring season, a time of growth and renewal. This is a time when the energy of Nature is awakening and when the natural world is bursting forth with new life.

The energy of anger can be harnessed and balanced through various practices, including:

• Acupuncture: A form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to restore balance to the flow of energy.

• Herbal medicine: The use of herbs and other plant-based remedies to restore balance to the body's energy.

• Mindfulness practices: Such as meditation and deep breathing, which can help to calm and balance the energy of anger.

Looking for more tips for easing anger this springtime? Check out this article!

The 5-element theory is a fundamental concept in Chinese medicine and is used to understand the interconnectedness of all things. The 5 elements are:

• Wood: Associated with the liver and gallbladder organs, and with the energy of anger.

• Fire: Associated with the heart and small intestine organs, and with the energy of joy and love.

• Earth: Associated with the spleen and stomach organs, and with the energy of nourishment and stability.

• Metal: Associated with the lung and large intestine organs, and with the energy of clarity and precision.

• Water: Associated with the kidney and bladder organs, and with the energy of calmness and tranquility.

Each element is associated with a particular set of qualities, emotions, and energies and is seen as being interconnected with the other elements. The 5-element theory is used to understand the balance and harmony of the body's energy and to identify areas of imbalance or disharmony.

In the context of the energy of anger, the 5-element theory can help us understand how this energy relates to other aspects of our being. For example, if we are experiencing an imbalance of the wood element, we may feel angry or frustrated, but we may also experience physical symptoms such as headaches or digestive problems.

Understanding this can help us understand and treat our ailments from a different perspective. Understanding the connections within our body and mind can often leave us with lasting results and action steps for moving forward.

By understanding the 5-element theory and how it relates to the energy of anger, we can gain a deeper insight into our own emotions and energies and can develop more effective strategies for managing stress and promoting overall health and well-being.

Curious to learn more about anger? Check out this previous blog about reclaiming anger!

Reflection Questions

1. What is your experience with Nature's energy? Have you ever felt a sense of connection or renewal when spending time in Nature?

2. How can you incorporate more mindfulness and connection with Nature into your daily life? What practices or activities can you try to cultivate a deeper sense of connection with the natural world?

3. What does the concept of "I am" energy mean to you? How can you tap into this energy and harness its transformative power in your own life?