​Digital Detox:
For those whose job duties include massive amounts of screen exposure, having time to live IRL is a must. Even if we don’t work in front of our computers, the lure of the quick dopamine hit, and a subsequent potential for addiction to that quick hit, may make us seek out that powerful, pocket-sized, magic-machine a little too often. 

Shopping Detox:
We might know that the over-consumption is an environmental nightmare. Post winter-holidays can be a good time to give your wallet and capitalism a rest. Keep it simple - don’t buy anything new for a prescribed period of time and utilize only the items that you already own or come second hand. Clothing is certainly on top of the list but no-buy detoxes can apply to items from housewares to electronics, etc.

Focusing on Perfection Detox:
Whether it’s exercise, self-improvement, or even “healthy” eating - balance is key to success. Taking a breather from our self-imposed “better, stronger, healthier me” routines can again, increase effectiveness, uncover underlying issues, or even just relieve any sense of boredom or obligation. Food can be trickier given allergies, gastrointestinal issues, or serious illness. 

Get some sleep.
This one was tougher to word because the point is not to give up on sleep but the lifestyle that keeps us from getting enough sleep.  Push aside late nights out, revenge staying up, and scrolling on the phone for hours.  Aim for seven to nine hours every night. Adequate sleep supports and maintains a healthy brain and studies continue to support the connection between amount of sleep and cognitive function.

How will you reset and refresh in 2023?

The Black Rabbit year is an extra special one because typically the Rabbit is the color white and in Chinese astrology when the animal is represented by another color, there is an even more auspicious meaning to the year. The animal itself is considered wise, a little mischievous and a very hard worker. The Black color of the Rabbit signifies the Water element and Yin. 

The Rabbit represents the Spring time of year when animals emerge from their hiding places and start creating the movement needed for Spring. This is the time when the powerful Qi grows from a dormant winter and expands into new energy. 

Spring is all about the energy of rebirth and renewal
Breaking its way out of winter and anticipating summer like a flower whose bud’s makes its way through the cold winter earth, shining its color upon a beautiful sunny day for all of us to enjoy.  This is the same idea with the notion of Qi in Chinese Medicine, which rises up in Springtime and surges through our bodies in its splendor. With this, comes an energy of immense growth and the motivation to push through and forward into planning and projects that may now come into fruition. 

Spring and the Rabbit are also represented in the Wood Element.
Wood gently penetrates the earth to bring forth water, the source of all life. Drawing from our roots, we find the energy to push forward with strength and firmness of purpose, always remaining supple, yielding, and true to our nature. Gentle, Wise, Persistent and filled with creative potential 
Spring is the time to move, be motivated and create. The Rabbit represents the month of March and the time 5am to 7am on the Chinese Clock. 

“Rabbits live in dens, hidden securely underground, allowing them to restore their lively energy. They possess great strategic qualities and know when to act or retreat, thus 2023 holds awesome potential for putting a plan into action. The nimble nature of rabbit empowers us to maneuver around any obstacles that arise in 2023. There can be old patterns or belief systems that hold you back and the rabbit’s agility enables you to let go of these and just do it! Fortunately, rabbits are not risk-takers or fighters, and their cautious nature allows you to move forward with care and cultivate progress while considering all various outcomes. The doors are open, and growth is quick.”  CT Holman

Black always represents the element of Water.
Water is also the most Yin substance which is why this is a Yin year. The nature of water is to flow unobstructed and change, bend and adapt to it’s environment. The water element gives us the energy to adapt and to expand into 2023 and also is associated with mystical, spiritual energies. Water has the ability to hold and absorb emotion and as most of us experienced, 2022 was an emotionally charged year. 

Water in Chinese medicine is also associated with the emotion of Fear.
Fear can create inaction while the movement of Wood wants action. “This would be like the flooding of a forest. Take care to manage emotion by connecting to the earth and bringing grounding qi to daily life which controls the emotion of water.” 
Yin is symbolized by going inward, the feminine, nighttime, the moon, retreating and resting.
“Yin represents Mother Earth and feelings of safety, being held, and nurtured, which allows us to navigate the expanding growth of 2023 with an inner stillness.”

Yin water is yin within yin, the most yin substance, emanating gentleness & softness.
The yin water also helps soften the hardness of wood, allowing ourselves to truly tune into our path and move forward with the both the force of the wood energy and the direction of water flowing within it’s own current. This allows us to take time to go inward, connect to the universe with the compassion and wisdom of the Rabbit.  

Happy Lunar New Year! 


*The reading above was summarized from the great Lotus Institute and from the teachings of Lilian Bridges that have been now passed down to CT Holman. To read the entire forecast please follow this link