... and the beginning ends.

Hi Reader,

I remember being in Vancouver 25+ years ago, under grey skies and tepid, wet weather. I felt mostly despair. I had gotten into quite the party life and between sketchy nights and dreary days, my world was drowning. I needed light and clarity.

So I moved back to Ontario to live in the sun. Even if it was cold, cold, cold at least there would be bright & brilliant sun.

With climate change, we are seeing different weather patterns and more grey days in and around Tkaronto. You are telling me how hard it is to lift up, that without some sunshine your energy feels so low and the dread of more days of this is zapping your vitality.

Embracing what can not be changed now, or even soon, is a very hard aspect of being human, and of being alive.

What supports Qi flow, health and energetic well being at this time of year?

In December we shift from Metal to Water, Lungs to Kidneys, grief and connection to fear and will.

I suggest deciding on Joy this December, not to deny what is, but to generate Joy as a renewal for the Heart which houses so much.

Nature is turning inward, stilling and going slow yet our busy lives carry on. What ways can you slow down? What human, animal or plant friend can you decide to enjoy?

It could also be time to check in with your ND or MD. Bodies need preventative care and a check in on Blood, Thyroid levels and all that jazz is ideal as we head into winter.

The Heart's emotion is Joy, and it provides balance for all the emotions we experience. Inside resides a light more brilliant than is possible outside, connect there and a sun will shine again.

Read on for PORTAL resources to help your body touch the sun and please reach out if you have a question or to book with me.

BOOK APPOINTMENTS HERE

The PORTAL resources

Eat

Pungent, immune supportive foods

As we bundle up into winter, scallions, ginger, garlic, radish, turnip, cayenne, fennel, and cinnamon will add warmth to your being and enhance your immune system. Pungent herbs (think wasabi) can wake up your face, and open your nose so you can take more of life in.

Move & meditate

Accompany Lung Qi

This practice is for being with grief, sadness, control and clarity. Part movement, part meditation, all sitting!

Pursue

Questions abound. Times of change are unique opportunities to ask: If I want something to be different, what can I do inside me to make that change?

Share

Take a moment - right now - to answer this question:

Who do you know who would benefit from what I do?

Forward this PORTAL to that person
Share the wealth, spread the health

Ch - ch - ch - ch - changes

As of Jan 2025 the PORTAL will evolve into shorter emails containing a story, a BLOG and Radical RESOURCES for our well being.

If you have requests for content - please email me at lgibson@aurummedicine.ca.

Recovery time - Jan/Feb 2025

I will be having top surgery in early January and off for 2 months until March 3, 2025. I apologize if I missed telling you this in person!

To support you during my recovery I suggest checking out Erin Ladd or Michelle Sciuk for massage. For Acupuncture if you already see Dr. Julie or Dr. Tania you can book with them or if you want to try a new Acupuncturist check out the folks at Urban Wellness. I worked with some of them at Six Degrees and highly recommend them.

I am excited, nervous and very curious about surgery. I will likely document my experience, if you wanna follow along please connect with me on the socials: