hello, light beams!
I’m back behind the writing desk, I wish with pen and paper in hand, but we’ll have to do with the good old laptop (yes, pen and paper is the new, old thing).
I've been on a journey since the last time I wrote to you and with that, I mean, A JOURNEY.
I’ve been journaling (with pen and paper in hand), and I intend to share some of my ramblings when the moment is there. but here we are, about something else than my experiences about love and life on a mountain trail in Spain.
today, I felt like diving into the traditional chinese medicine organ clock (I hope this wasn’t one of those anti-climax cliffhangers)
as you may or may not know, I started a 300h kundalini yoga teacher training at the beginning of this year with the Kundalini Yoga School. saying that joining this training has been one of my best decisions ever, would be an understatement. I’ve gained so much ancient wisdom, healing, and knowledge throughout this year, much of which is lost in our day and age, and I’m so grateful and excited to be able to share some of this mystic knowledge with you.
as I’m officially graduating as a yoga teacher in the spring of 2025, I’ve started to re-read the teachings we’ve been taught throughout the year. while doing this, I thought, what better way to let it sink in than to write about it and visualize it? and better yet, share it with others who might find it beneficial and interesting?
so, here we go! starting with the TCM organ clock, I’ve found this a great model to become more intimate with my body and listen to its highs and lows throughout the day. there is so much to dive into, you could find root causes of diseases and other symptoms through the organs and their effect on our body-mind system.
here, I’ve focused mostly on how to optimize our energy flow throughout the day, and what struck me most is how out of sync we are in the western world! working behind a screen for 8 hours a day whilst sitting down, and often spending even more time behind the screen after work hours, is so unhealthy for our body-mind system.
I’ve spent some time in Spain in the last couple of months, and I must say, in many ways, they have a more natural way of living. When comparing it to the organ clock, Spain has siesta’s (you all know this one), paseo’s (going for a stroll after work often followed by a late, social dinner), and sobremesa’s (hours of time spent together around the table after dinner in conversation, relaxing, enjoying).
we can find inspiration from cultures and wisdom around the world and apply it in a way that feels right for us, and most of all, listen to our bodies (rather than our loud and society-conditioned mind). our body tells us all we need to know if we allow it to speak to us.
the traditional chinese medicine organ clock is built on our 24-hour cycle divided into 2-hour intervals of our qi (vital life force energy) moving through our organ system.
according to the clock, our energy shifts every 2 hours, peaks into its corresponding organ - and drops into the organ opposite from it (on the clock).
each organ is connected to different e-motions and elements.
the TCM organ clock can be a great tool to give our body-mind system an optimal energy flow throughout the day. here’s what that could look like:
3-5 am (lungs): new day, new opportunities! associated with the Air element, our lungs are responsible for taking in and letting go. it's a great time to wake up and do a spiritual practice as we can more easily decide what to let go of and what we decide to take in - setting our intentions for the day with discernment and perspective.
5-7 am (large intestine): our large intestine is responsible for clearing out waste. naturally, it's a time to empty your bowels and remove the toxins from the day before. it's also a great time to do breathing exercises, have a warm cup of water, stretch, and exercise.
7-9 am (Stomach): breakfast time! our stomach is responsible for our digestion and it's important to take the time to sit down, let your stomach digest, and eat with presence.
we move into the earth element which is all about centering and stability.
on a mental level, it's a time for taking in new ideas with a clear mind and planning the day practically.
9-11 am (Spleen): lot's of energy! the spleen’s role is to assimilate and absorb what we take in.
physically, this means transforming the food we eat into our muscles, blood, and flesh.
mentally, it's associated with thought. this is a great time to work, take action, and possibly do the most daunting tasks of the day.
11 am - 1 pm (heart): time for a break and nurture your heart energy with a meal with colleagues and/or loved ones. your biggest meal of the day should be before 2 pm. take a moment to do what makes you feel warm and bubbly inside.
1 - 3 pm (small intestine): siesta time! our small intestine is here to sort out the pure from the impure. it's connected to our heart, so ask yourself what does my heart need right now? A nap might be the answer ;)
if taking a 20-minute nap is not feasible for you, ask yourself what tasks have priority today and what do I have the energy to do this afternoon?
3 - 5 pm (bladder): we move into the water element. water is associated with creativity, intuition, and sexuality, and also the flow of life.
we might feel a drop in energy around this time, so make sure to stay hydrated with tea and water.
when doing office work, this might be a good time for meetings and creative brainstorming and leave any focussed laptop work.
5 - 7 pm (kidney): The kidneys support our natural cleansing processes and are about our essence and our true purpose.
it's a good time for reflection and enjoying the soft pleasures of life such as taking a walk, watching the sunset, having a glass of wine, or having dinner with loved ones.
7 - 9 pm (pericardium): we peak into the fire element again with the pericardium, our heart protector. this organ is also connected to how we protect ourselves emotionally.
it's a good time to connect with yourself and those closest to us.
9 - 11 pm (triple burner): bedtime! the triple burner doesn't have a specific location but its function is to keep our body at the right temperature.
usually, we tend to get sleepy and ideally, we go to bed before 11 pm when our energy peaks into gall bladder...
11 pm - 1 am (gall bladder): we move into the wood element of hinese medicine, associated with decision-making and mind activity.
when we sleep at this time, we allow our gall bladder to its natural job - giving us clarity while sleeping on it ;)
1 am - 3 am (Liver): deep sleep! The liver supports us in getting things done, organizing, and planning. It also stores our blood and ensures our qi flows in the right direction.
liver imbalances can manifest in a painful and/or irregular period.
also, waking up at this time might mean your liver is affected by stress, alcohol consumption, or an unhealthy diet.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and how this might apply to your daily life!
love always,
Cleo