As the old masters said, “If you want to understand life and death, look to the seasons. Therein lies a secret gate.”
Winter is the ultimate season of balance. In it we see how invisible Yin energy supports the visible Yang energy. Yin shows us the invisible world, our emotions, intuition and the deeper messages that guide inner growth. Winter’s Yin is beneath the surface, the hidden life that guides future growth. Yang shows us the visible world, trees, weather, colors and the ways we express ourselves every day. Winter’s Yang is the cold silence we experience in nature at this time of year.
In winter, everything visible in nature is silent, seemingly lifeless, like a thin layer of ice that closes the surface of the water and yet is easy enough to penetrate. Below this layer, movement takes place and life continues.
Look outside and at everything around you. The landscapes that were once a bustle of activity – birdsong and squirrels scurrying for nuts surrounded by flowers full of summer energy – are now calm. The last few leaves remain brown and dry on the bare trees as nature completes its transition to winter. While everything we see above remains tranquil, nature refines and prepares itself underground. Life goes on here! Roots release moisture, earthworms dig deep into the soil and microbes continue their busy work of breaking down organic matter and replenishing the soil.
This season of rest leads to what comes next: the bounty of spring. The yin and yang of winter must work together for balance and future growth. When we follow nature’s wisdom, our Qi calms down, allowing us a season of quiet reflection and inner growth. During this time we gather Qi in anticipation of our own rebirth in the spring.
Looking ahead:
Advanced Xiao Dao Study
Xiao Dao is an advanced training led by Master Lu, focused on applying the Xiao Dao System to address complicated health issues with clarity and confidence. Practitioners learn the Five Elements diagnosis and meridian location treatment to identify the body’s true starting point and guide healing without creating unnecessary difficulties or side effects. Continuing education credits are available. This virtual program runs from December 6 – 7, 2025. REGISTER
Mind Gate Breathing
This workshop is our holiday gift to experience inner care. Spirit Gate Breathing is a natural technique that brings an overall sense of calm to the body and mind. This virtual session is free and will take place on December 15, 2025. REGISTER
Yin Yang of the season: Winter
This program opens our year-long seasonal series, in which Master Lu reveals how Yin and Yang form the blueprint of your physical, emotional, and spiritual life. For seven days, Master Lu guides you to experience how your inner world responds to Winter’s Yin and Yang. By means of Wu Ming Using Qigong practices, seasonal Eating-for-Healing principles and insights rooted in Chinese psychology, you will learn how your organ systems listen to nature’s message – and how this dialogue shapes your energy, emotions and direction in life. Each session reveals a new layer of who you are and the Qi that animates your life. This virtual program runs from January 18 – 25, 2026. REGISTER