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Photo: these baby new year snake decorations adorn our front door to usher in good luck for the Year of the Snake.
Welcome the Year of the Snake!
Welcome the Year of the Snake
On Jan 29th, 2025, we bid farewell to the year of the Dragon and welcome in the year of the Snake. Currently there are two Snakes in my family. This year my mom celebrates seven 12-year-cycles (turns 84), and my niece celebrates her first full cycle! According to the Chinese zodiac people born under the year of the Snake are often associated with intelligence and intuition. The study of Chinese astrology, rooted in astronomy and philosophy is intriguing, vast, and complex. This note for the lunar new year is not based in this aspect of Chinese culture. It is inspired by the serpent as a creature, more specifically by an aspect of its biology.
Why do snakes shed their skin?
In primary school we learn as a snake grows it must shed its skin that has become too tight for its growing body. I remember feeling a mix of fascination and creepiness gazing at the National Geographic magazine pictures. Something clicked in my mind when my teacher explained we humans are similar in a way. As we grow, our clothes eventually no longer fit, and we cannot wear them any longer. The understanding that it is part of a natural process to cast off an intact layer of skin somehow lessened my creeped out feeling.
I wish I could tell you as an adult I’m totally cool with snakes, but truth be told my wild imagination has been deeply indoctrinated with myths and ignorance associating snakes with sinister sensations. The roots of yoga teach that serpents symbolize energy and wisdom. The ancient Indic imagery helps in undoing the tired fear mongering stories, but I still jump when my eye catches something slither along the trail.
Image: a simplified illustration of the Kundalini (energy rise) process depicting serpents ascending from the base to the crown energy centers. Image credit: https://www.anne-marie.eu/en/kundalini-awakening/#
Apoptosis
In school last semester studying apoptosis (programmed cell death) I was reminded of the snake shedding its skin. The natural design of our bodies requires the balance of cell creation and destruction (cell turnover). Our human bodies are designed to generate cells and when they have run their course, served their purpose, apoptosis is one way the organism disposes of unneeded cells. In simplified terms if we do not discard the nonessential cells, they disrupt our balance and growth.
Renewal requires release
I invite you to try this simple breath technique, no need to force it, just feel it out as you breathe through your nostrils…
Breath OUT:
Exhale… blow out slowly, keep blowing out, blow out until you feel all the way empty, then exhale a little more.
Breath IN:
Simply let your body receive your inhale.
Repeat 5-10 times.
After even just a few rounds you may notice without much effort your IN-breath gets longer and deeper. This is the natural response to your OUT-breath being longer and more complete. As you consciously release the exhale sending out carbon dioxide and other byproducts of metabolism you allow yourself to more effectively receive critical, oxygen and aero nutrients to replenish and rejuvenate you.
Photo: One of my favorite ways to practice longer exhales is to blow bubbles. Photo credit: Freepik.com
Whole human being
Human beings (body-breath-mind-wisdom-spirit) are astonishing creatures. Our inner systems are intricate and delicate, and you might think fragile. Yet, as whole beings from the thinnest outer most layer of our skin to our limitless sprit, we are mighty beyond measure. I am learning if we maintain an inner environment that promotes positive health, our human body is designed to (literally your body knows how to) heal and grow.
Just like our bodies have to disburden themselves of dead cells, perhaps we can actively release things which no longer serve us. As we transition from the year of the Dragon to the Snake, I am doing my best to shed my old ways of thinking about “scary” snakes. The serpent symbol can remind me to release so I can renew. Just like cell turnover is an ongoing daily process I am committing releasing and discarding thoughts, behavior patterns, and objects which no longer serve my wellbeing.
I wonder what you might be ready and willing to let go?
Life is a gift to be enjoyed. Part of the magic of being human is that every day we encounter new delights, challenges, obstacles, and burdens – which can be heavy. We cannot continue to carry all the burdens accumulated over a lifetime. We are not designed to. The load is too heavy.
What encumbrance might simply be dropped and left behind on the meandering road of life? Perhaps it is a more complex and conscious choice to loosen your grip on outdated paradigms. Maybe it is as simple and potent as the choice to drink more water so your body can more successfully flush out the toxic byproducts of metabolism. Just like cell turnover this one will be effortless and effective. Regardless of what you choose, the good news is that we human beings are equally fit and free to practice the skill of release and effortless renewal.
I raise my glass of water with you, exhale fully, and join you in a toast to the Year of the Snake!
Lunar New Year 2025
