Embracing the Water Element for Depth, Resilience, and Renewal

As the days shorten and temperatures drop, we find ourselves entering the stillness of winter, a season governed by the Water (水,shuǐ) element in Chinese philosophy¹ and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)². Water symbolizes depth, flow, resilience, and introspection, qualities that mirror the quiet potency of this season. From the winter solstice through early spring, nature itself retreats, allowing for restoration, reflection, and gradual renewal. For me, winter is a time to embody the strength of Water in my tai chi and qigong practice, cultivating calmness and the quiet power that lies within stillness.

Winter invites us to pause, drawing our focus inward. In this season, trees have shed their leaves, animals have gone into hibernation, and the landscape appears quiet and bare. Yet beneath the surface, there is a world of vitality and potential, preparing to emerge when conditions are right. Similarly, tai chi and qigong offer me the opportunity to slow down, reconnect with my breath, and strengthen the foundation of my practice by going deeper into the essentials. Every posture, shift, and rotation feels like a subtle but profound reminder of the hidden strength and adaptability of Water.

Every time I practice tai chi, I begin by feeling the natural flow of energy within my body, aligning myself with the season’s energy. Winter’s Water element encourages connecting deeply to my dantian, my center of movement, concentrating my energies. As I move slowly through the form, I sense my body’s natural currents of energy and learn to follow them rather than resist. Water can be powerful, as in a rushing river, or gentle, as in a still lake; both qualities have their place in my practice. I let go of rigid expectations and allow my body and mind to soften, discovering new layers of inner strength as I yield to each movement.

The Water element is associated with the kidneys and bladder in TCM, organs that govern the body’s reserves of energy and vitality. Winter is an ideal time to nourish these reserves, replenishing what has been depleted in warmer, more active seasons. I focus on deep, intentional breathing to support this restoration, allowing my breath to reach the lower abdomen and energize my core. In qigong practice, I visualize the gentle flow of energy replenishing my inner wellspring, much like a deep river that never runs dry. This focus on inner nourishment not only revitalizes my body but also brings a sense of calm and clarity to my mind.

One of my favorite moments in winter is practicing tai chi and qigong outdoors, feeling the crisp air on my face as I breathe deeply. There is something profoundly grounding about connecting with the natural elements, especially during winter, when silence surrounds us. The cold air sharpens my awareness, bringing me fully into the present moment. I imagine my movements mirroring the quiet power of a frozen river or the gentle drift of snowflakes, embodying Water’s ability to adapt to any form or challenge without losing its essence. This practice reminds me that, like Water, I can remain flexible and resilient, flowing around obstacles rather than being confined by them.

Winter’s energy also encourages introspection, providing an opportunity to reflect on the year that has passed and set intentions for the year to come. I approach my tai chi and qigong practice as a time for inner inquiry, listening to my body’s wisdom and clarifying my personal goals. Just as Water wears down even the hardest stones over time, I am reminded that patience and quiet persistence can lead to profound transformation. Each practice becomes a meditation on self-discovery, revealing the strength that lies within stillness and the wisdom found in surrender.

Winter is a time of rest and reflection. Practicing tai chi and qigong in winter brings a sense of renewal that permeates my entire being. Through alignment with the Water element, I learn to trust the natural flow of life, knowing that just as winter holds the promise of spring, every period of quiet contains the seeds of growth. Winter reminds me that even in the coldest, darkest times, there is an inherent beauty in resting, replenishing, and allowing inner strength to emerge. Moving mindfully through my practice, I carry the qualities of Water—depth, resilience, and quiet power—into every aspect of my life, prepared to face challenges with calm and flexibility.

In embracing the Water element this winter, I have discovered a new wellspring of inner strength, which allows me to flow through life’s transitions with grace and resilience.

***

You can learn more about tai chi by exploring the diverse offerings of the Tai Chi Foundation (TCF). TCF provides live online courses, allowing you to participate in guided sessions in the comfort of your home. These virtual classes offer unique opportunities to connect with experienced instructors, ensuring that you receive personalized guidance and feedback. Additionally, the Tai Chi Foundation offers Teachable on-demand classes, providing a flexible and accessible way to learn at your own pace. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, these online resources offer a wealth of knowledge to enrich your tai chi journey. For those seeking a more hands-on experience, check out the regular course offerings of TCF’s affiliated local schools.

TCF is a not-for-profit educational organization that promotes, funds, and teaches programs that enable people to learn tai chi chuan and embody its principles.

By Oliver Herzfeld

Tai Chi Foundation 2024

¹ In Chinese philosophy, yang and yin qi, aspects of ourselves, are symbolized as twin children working a water wheel together and building up our reserves. They are filled with qi, life, and joyful energy.

² In TCM, the five seasons (Winter, Spring, Summer, Late Summer, and Fall) are each associated with one of five elements (Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal, respectively).