Eye Palming

In Traditional Chinese Medicine the “Wood” Element exerts its power influence over the Spring season. The Wood Phase is embodied by the movement of all things living, growing, and building momentum. Think expansion from the inside out and the outside in, like a tree developing a deeper and wider root foundation and simultaneously reaching its branches to greater heights. Each of us feels the expansion of wood energy manifest differently depending on our ability to stay balanced as spring winds blow. The winds can feel fresh and new; shaky or irritating. Physically, the organs associated with wood are the liver and gallbladder, and this energy opens into and rules over the eyes. Energetically, the wood element grows clarity and focus, sprouting of new ideas, and the propulsion of turning a new leaf to act on a new plan or vision.

This time of year the bumblebee “buzzzzz” of a new vision slowly coming into focus becomes palpable and I like to look for ways to clear the energy and emotions related to what’s on the horizon so that I may see more clearly. Recently, as I looked around for some new options I was reminded of a beautifully simple eye exercise to help. It’s amazing how easy it is to see things in a new way when we give ourselves the space and time to offer our presence without resistance.

Eye Palming

Rub your palms together until they feel warm, and then place your palms over your eyes as you rest your elbows on a table.

Rubbing the palms together helps activate the energy centers in your palms and we can use our own qi to relax and heal the eyes. Most of us have experienced and seen  the healing benefits of  qi that comes from our hands, so why not direct that qi to ourselves every now and then 

Soften your shoulders, neck and eye muscles while the heat from your palms soothes your eyeballs and the surrounding muscles. Breathe in deeply and imagine that you are looking off into the distance as if you were watching ocean waves, clouds floating by, or anything else that is relaxing and pleasing to you.

Aim for 5 to 10 minute anywhere and anytime you think of it…like while sitting on the toilet LOL, after spending long periods of time staring at a computer screen, before you go to sleep or when you wake up. Why not give it a try now?

“Sometimes We Have to Close our Eyes to See” John Penn