Journaling Prompts for Spring Time. Growth and the Wood Element vibes
Spring time from a Chinese Philosophical perspective, is tied to growth, expansion and the wood element. I wrote an earlier blog post about the topic in more detail, see link below. But the gist is in the spring time, things start to grow, blossom and flourish.
Spring Time is all about Growth and the Wood Element BLOG POST CLICK HERE
When we think of a tree, especially a green leafy tree, that we literally see flourish… what helps the tree grow and leaves flourish.
You may be thinking water, yes water, but what else contributes to the growth of a tree?
The soil, earth, the ground, where the roots are planted. Where the water is absorbed into the tree, through the soil.
The roots of the tree are planted into the ground, right into the soil. What do you think would happen to a tree, if the tree’s soil quality was not so great?
The soil quality depends on many things, mainly the environment, maybe even how much exposure to pollutants/pollution, or other external factors it gets.
One thing that is clear, it’s the quality of soil and the nutrients a tree gets from that soil, as well as water, is what matters for growth. I’m not going to get into what nutrients a tree needs specifically, the point of the tree analogy is, we are the tree, and we can equate “the soil” as being our mind.
Tree analogy. The soil = mind. Tree = us
Spring a time for reflection & inquiry…
Asking ourselves what do we need to help the tree (us) grow, and what do we need to feed the soil (which is our mind) to help with our growth?
Be it personal growth, career growth or relationship growth to name a few.
What are we feeding our minds?
The soil needs to be nourished, as the roots of the tree take the nutrients to the tree, and nourish it for growth. We can apply this same theory to our minds.
What does your mind need to feel nourished? Rather than feeling depleted, or maybe even comfortable or gravitating to what’s easy, numbing out on social media or maybe binge watching shows.
Looking at the types of things we consume, from news, social media, the world wide web in general, and streaming services etc. the bombardment of information we get on a daily…it’s a lot and can lead to information overload.
It’s important what kind of habits we have around our mind. We maybe have better habits around our body, we workout, by keeping fit and active, and/or eat well.
Don’t you think our minds deserve the same attention?
To help yourself and your mind blossom and expand, what does this look like for you? More or less of something? Or some activity?
What will keep your mind fit sort of speak.
Allow your mind to be challenged so your mind can expand and grow.
Spring time, and the wood element when it’s out of balance, we tend to feel more angry, frustrated and irritated (1). If this is you, the journal prompts may be able to help you identify the source of these strong emotions. It may also prompt you to think about why. What is lacking or maybe excess in your world.
Noticing our emotions, what our path in life should be, and overall learning about ourselves helps us grow.
Journaling can help us notice.
Writing down our thoughts, feelings, aspirations and how we want to see our life today, tomorrow and beyond can help us see and figure shit out.
Spring Time is all about Growth and the Wood Element BLOG POST CLICK HERE
Questions to get you brainstorming and thinking about the theme of expansion, growth, embodying the Wood element and finding purpose within your life…
Notice now, how and what you’re feeding your mind?
Right now in this moment.
Well you’re reading this so you’re already feeding your mind with helpful information, rather than doing mindless activities…
Reflect on…
What is your current state of mind? Are you in a positive state? Sad? Or down on yourself? Are you angry? Feeling tired? Or maybe your energized? Are you a monkey mind lately, feeling distracted all the time? Or maybe you are feeling focused? Are you finding time for creativity?
Take time to reflect if there is something you can possibly change to switch up your state of mind and nourish your mind with positive experiences, and bring your mind to a state of growth.
Journaling prompts to help you nourish your mind and embody the wood element…
Taking cues from nature can really help us tap into our truest potential and inspire us to take more control of our time, destiny and growth…
What does growth mean to you?
What do you want to see grow in yourself? Personal, career, relationship?
What does growth look like for you? Long term, or short term or both.
Is the growth you seek in yourself more physical, maybe even mental, or emotional?
If you were do achieve any of the physical, mental or emotional growth you want to see in yourself how would that make you feel?
What do you view as your purpose in life? These can be goals or just general ways of being or showing up in the world.
What habits or rituals do you do every day, weekly, or even monthly that are helping you grow?
What habits or rituals do you do every day, weekly, or even monthly that you know maybe stunting your growth?
Anything you can do more of?
Anything you can do less of in your life that limits your growth or goal you have set for yourself to expand into your potential?
What can you start doing today to help you grow and flourish?
Is it going for that run, or maybe starting that project you’ve put off for months, committing to writing everyday.
What can you stop doing that may be stunting your growth?
Too much binge watching? Maybe too much scrolling on social media or screen time in general?
When faced with challenges do you look clearly at all options to gain perspective? (2)
When faced with change are you adaptable and flexible or are you more resistant?
How does change impact your day to day outlook on life?
Can you make goals, plans or decisions to help with your goals or purpose in life? (2)
Are you able to balance your energy or mood somehow, if you’re feeling angry, irritated or frustrated?
Take time to think about these questions, start with one and see where your journalling takes you.
Be well,
Marzena
Sources
The Language of Yin by Gabrielle Harris 2019. https://gabrielleharrisyoga.com