Happy Lunar New Year!

Hello and how are you? The Care is devoted to helping you identify and own better health and habits. So, what does the Lunar New Year have to do with that? As it turns out, LOTS, especially this year.

This year's lunar year began on January 21 with the first new moon of the year and goes through February 9, 2024. Unlike the U.S. where the "ball" drops in NYC and fireworks go off all over the country at the stroke of midnight and then, it's basically done -- the primarily Asian communities will celebrate for 15 days, until the full moon! It's not too late to wear red, decorate with red lanterns, or put money in red envelopes for friends and family.

And what about our health and well-being? The Chinese Zodiac is assigned 12 animal years. This current lunar year is the year of the Rabbit, considered to be hopeful. With the chaos of the previous year of the Tiger leaving and the high energy of the Wild Dragon coming in 2024, this is our time to relax, take a breather, find peace and calm.

Chinese zodiac signs are also connected to the five elements: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. The 2023 Rabbit Year is influenced by water which encourages us to "go with the flow" and to adopt a hopeful attitude. Remember, there is great strength in water. The Colorado River cut into the Rocky Mountains to eventually create The Grand Canyon. Also, it can ripple and glide quietly, yet churn and run violently under the right conditions. It demands respect and is a reminder for us to remain present and mindful.

The Rabbit encourages us to indulge in leisure, rest, and pleasure. It might mean it's time to zhuzh up a bathroom and then treat yourself to a bubble bath or shower bomb or have a feng shui consultation for your bedroom or even the whole home.

This is a good time to gracefully release the past and let go of being ultra opinionated. It's time to focus on order, quiet and prosperity.

I was born in a Rabbit year, although my element was metal. I'm supposed to be smart, kind, well-mannered, and easily adaptable to many situations. However, the metal aspect indicates that I could be strong and hard as steel and likely to put up a tough front and refuse to deal with emotions. Many of those characteristics could apply to me. I am also reminded that we have a say in how we act in the world. Knowing that these might be tendencies, you or I can be on the lookout and sensitive to when we might be leaning in a direction that feels familiar, but might not serve us. This year, on the first day of lunar new year, I tested positive for COVID for the first time since the pandemic made its "official" appearance. I've worked in hospitals and clinics since March 2020, and remained healthy. In some ways it's fitting to be reminded how incredibly important it is to slow down, luxuriate, rely on community, and rest. I urge you to do the same and remember to be care-full. Gong xi fa choi!

Are you having trouble slowing down or just the opposite? Either way, I've been there and done that! I can share what helps -- contact me for a complimentary Session with no strings attached.

Happy Healthy Habit Hump Day,