Spring is the season of the wood element and the liver! It is a time when our liver Qi starts to rise and move outward. This is why we feel more active and energetic. To honour this season, this post is a compilation of a number of my writings about the Liver and its associated spirit - the Hun.

The Hun is all about vision, dreams and imagination. The hun is our connection to “higher” thought processes from heaven (aka frontal lobe activity).

The Hun urges us to take compassionate action, inwardly and outwardly. It allows us to skillfully express our emotions without being over run by them. The Hun lends us impulse control and the ability to take a stand for what is right (fierce compassion). This compassionate energy is needed more then ever now!

Unlike the Po, whose primary function is physical survival (reptilian brain) the Hun remind us of a larger perspective, and help us discern "right" from "wrong”. The Hun can be thought of as our frontal brain processes or our conscience (like Jiminy!).

Like the Shen, the Hun relates to the eyes.

Specifically, the Hun help us transform intangible insights from the Shen (heart), into ideas and plans. It does this through inner vision and imagination.

The Hun are also responsible for decision making, taking a stand for what is "right" (fierce compassion) and moving forward with our goals.

The Hun lives in our our liver and leaves our body at night when we dream. Attached by a silver cord, it returns when we wake.

The Hun also helps balance our emotions.

When this energy is in excess, it can present as anger outbursts, irritability, righteous indignation,and ranting about how "life isn't fair."Deficiency can present as a "lack of colour to life", timidity and an inability to take a stand.

When in Harmony, we are able to make clear decisions based on our dreams and visions for what is possible. We are able to "go with the flow" of life without being swept away by turbid emotions.

To Nourish the Hun :

• Spend time outside "taking in" natural beauty, especially the colour green!

• Limit use of mind-altering substances

• Make firm decisions for yourself and your highest path

• Sleep longer to allow for time for dreaming

• Listen to bird song and/or watch the clouds

• Paint/draw/write about your dreams and visions for the future

• Clarify your vision. Spring is a time where we can let go of what came before and step into new possibilities for our life.

Reference is Lori Eve Dechar’s Book, “The Five Spirits”, as well as info I have learned through Medical Qigong Training.