Sitting with the violence that is happening in Ukraine, and in numerous other places, I find myself feeling a familiar sense that there is something more I should do. A sense that whatever I am doing is insufficient given the level of suffering that our kin are experiencing.

Perhaps you are wondering something along the lines of “Since there has always been a profound level of suffering across the globe, including much closer to home, within your town, your own neighborhood, why don't you feel that way all the time?”

Fair question. This feeling comes in waves, and at the moment it feels like a rogue wave has arrived. I am doing my best to ride it.

What could I possibly do that would be sufficient to make change that would meet the needs of the myriad beings that are suffering at this moment?

Two answers arise simultaneously: Nothing, and exactly what I am doing.

There is nothing that I, or any other living being, can do that will change the complex transcontextual processes that have given rise to what is happening in Ukraine, across Africa, in Pakistan, and the Middle East to such a degree as to bring about a near term resolution to any of these conflicts.

While wishing that something could be done is understandable, it would be an extreme form of hubris to believe that some grand, or small gesture that I might enact would substantially alter any of these circumstances in a way that would benefit many beings. The first step here is to recognize that there is nothing that I can do while maintaining my familial, communal, and professional agreements and commitments that will measurably affect the plight of our kin that are living in the midst of war. This is a heartbreaking truth to sit within - the truth of my own powerlessness to help those in need.

At the same time, everything is connected. This connection is how I can feel so much pain on behalf of kin that I do not personally know. I choose to trust that connection works in at least two directions. How I choose to live somehow affects the world around me both near and far. Gratitude to, and for our ancestors and kin, daily devotion to cultivation practices, being the best father and friend I can be, working to care for those who have asked for my support, continuous learning and sharing of knowledge and wisdom, these are the actions I can and do take to collaborate in making this world a better place. Each day, doing my best to be of service to goodness, truth, beauty, harmony and coherence.

The spiraling path that continues to wind and unwind teaches me once again that these offerings are the best gifts that I can give. This makes them simultaneously enough, and entirely insufficient to the work at hand.

Praying for our kin
Who suffer in this moment
May you be in peace.

Spring is a season of wide and, at times, wild variability. Temperatures vary from day to day and hour to hour. Often, rain begins to increase in frequency. Winds can be strong, sudden, and chaotic.

Spring and autumn are liminal seasons. Nodes between the poles of winter and summer. Spring is a time of great creativity and expression after the retreat of winter.

Dealing with the season's frequent changes can be a challenge to navigate.
This can present as:

• Headaches
• Congestion
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Aches and Pains
• Somehow I hurt myself without doing anything?!

If this spring is off to a tough start, here are a few offerings that may be of use. Three simple self-care techniques that can make a big difference in how you feel.

Combing the hair

• Sit in a comfortable upright position.
• Curve your fingers a little bit on both hands.
• Comb your hair with both hands, beginning at your hairline and moving to the base of your skull.
• Repeat 100 times.

Combing the hair is a traditional spring dao yin, or self-massage, practice. It can help us resonate with the extremes of wood yang, allowing us to harmonize with the changes. The head is the most yang part of the body. Stimulating the yang channels on the head facilitates this harmonic resonance.

Time-restricted eating

Allow 12 hours to pass from the last meal or caloric intake of one day to the first meal or caloric intake of the next. If you finish dinner at 7 pm on Tuesday, don't eat or drink anything with calories until after 7 am on Wednesday. Water, black coffee, and tea are fine. Time-restricted eating is a simple approach to intermittent fasting. It gives the digestive system a chance to rest, and the body an opportunity to allocate more resources to maintenance and repair.

Relaxation/meditation

Try to take at least 15 minutes to relax every day. Stretch it to 20 minutes if you are able. If you can spend that time meditating, even better.

• Sit in a comfortable and upright position. You can sit in a chair with both feet flat on the floor, or cross-legged on the floor with a cushion or blanket.
• Close your eyes.
• Bring your attention and breath into your belly.
• Focus on the area below your navel.
• Breath through your nose.
• Notice your breath becoming smooth and easy.
• Keep a soft focus on your lower belly.

It is normal for the mind to wander, especially in the beginning. When this happens, return your attention to the lower belly.

It is my sincere hope that you have found something of use in these words.

If you know folks who you feel would enjoy this newsletter, please forward it their way! Thank you!
Wishing you and all your relations wellbeing and good medicine!

With gratitude,

Taran

PS: Remember to grab a hoodie. Or, if you don't roll like that, take a jacket and a hat when you leave the house, especially if it's lovely.

PPS: And yes, the tumult occurring in the Northern Hemisphere is in keeping with the season.

Days of green blooming,
Nights of bright cool wind. Springtime
Blesses the wide world.