Winter 2026

I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things

Wendell Berry (full poem here)

In Shiatsu theory, Winter is associated with the Water element. It is the energy of calm and reflection, that creates space for inner healing and integration. Water allows fluidity, adaptability and wisdom.

Water’s nature is to sink to the deepest level. It’s important to allow this in our body, by getting plenty of rest in winter. Otherwise an imbalance may carry into the following seasons. Balanced Water brings courage and inner peace, while imbalance causes anxiety, fear, and fatigue. When not replenished enough in winter, we may find it hard to ride the surge of spring. When not calmed enough by the soothing qualities of water energy, the heat and light of summer can bring restlessness. Yet when our spirit is agitated by the Fire energy of summer, rest is elusive. So it can take some time to recover the balance of an imbalanced element, and we may need to pay some attention to finding that balance again.

For this blog and newsletter I chose Wendell Berry’s poem “The Peace of Wild Things” because he so well describes how being with water in nature can bring perspective and greater calm. Seeking out cool, still water can help us reflect and accept. We find our flow, and are more able to be at peace within any situation.

I hope you will be able to spend some time by calm water this winter, noticing how things are reflected. Maybe you’ll see any fatigue, troubles or concerns reflected back to you with a wiser, better resourced perspective.  

I have been reflecting on how I might like 2026 to unfold. Transferable skills is the theme. I’m transferring my Shiatsu knowledge from the thumbs to the needle, I have started training in Acupuncture!  Simultaneously I’m reviving old skills from my performance days, combining mindfulness teaching with somatic release movement. Look out for future classes popping up through the year! But first, I need to get the Thai Massage training courses safely underway, without depleting the energy of water too much! That way, the rising Spring energy will bring the other plans forth with ease, going with the flow, when the time comes.

The Peace of Wild Things

By Wendell Berry

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.