Yinspiration: embracing change

I gaze at the starlings keeping warm by murmuration in the shortened days as they swirl together adapting to the dark, cold nights.

Wintering is a time to slow down to expand time. Sleep and reflect. Embrace the positives and negatives over the year – as without one the other would not exist.

Responding to ageing

My thoughts to share of the postmenopausal years are of a majestic winter tree nurturing the earth. Chinese philosophy teaches the importance of constantly adapting to the external and internal changes in our lives. The unavoidable surge of internal heat made visible in our upper body and face creates a vulnerability requiring care and management.

The knowledge and skill gained as a TCM practitioner encourages these changes to be embraced as menopause slows down the ageing process and protects the reserves of blood and jing.

A noted reduction in my bone density confirmed a decade ago resulted in a diagnosis of osteoporosis. This required a significant lifestyle review with dietary changes, supplements, Pilates classes and weight training – all underpinned by Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture. A DEXA scan review this year will influence a case study presentation with a long-term view for research and collaboration with TCM colleagues.

Life as a mature woman is a unique journey I share with others in their seventh decade. This comes along with a greater awareness of our mortality as the privileged generation of baby boomers. We remain grateful for our continued existence without the same degree of responsibility for others – allowing a sense of freedom to live the rest of our lives and live to the full.

Drawing from life

My experience of life drawing has been influenced by the sound of silence shared during studio sessions. Concentration is nurtured with inward reflection. This relationship between the model and artist provides a sense of renewal and an appreciation of the perspective of the winter or yin phase of life.

The life studies selected below attempt to represent the concept of yin or winter – choices influenced by poses of contemplation and reflection. The shortened daylight requires additional studio light creating an intimate atmosphere and dramatic tones. This polarisation of yin with its dependence on yang defines 3D on the 2D picture plane.

The TCM teachings handed down over 2,000 years ago influence this interdependence of opposing form and energy – evolving and devolving as two opposing forces.

This is one of the many challenges in the study of the female figurative form and the relationship with all things yin, winter and wintering.

The brightest light leading to the darkest tones with the interlinking nuances represent the deepest form of Yinspiration.

Researching bone density

As a non-user of social media, I have no tags or handles to offer. I would however be keen to hear from any practitioners interested in the research and treatment of bone density with TCM.

Please contact me by email to kathleenpowderly@btinternet.com

Kathleen has worked in healthcare for over 50 years, initially with the NHS in general nursing, midwifery and tropical health before obtaining a licentiate qualification at the British Acupuncture Association and Register. She continued her studies at the International School of Acupuncture in Nanjing PRC and the School of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Regent’s College London.

Kathleen’s general clinical practice in Aberdeen ceased in 2020 to focus on her plan to research into the treatment of osteoporosis using TCM. She attended this year’s RCHM research conference and is an RCHM council member.

Since completing her BA Fine Art in 1980 Kathleen continues to exhibit and sell her work with a current interest in the figurative form. 

All images © Kathleen Powderly. Click on the thumbnails below to enlarge.