Episode 11 – Winter’s Cocoon: Water Element Healing & Preparing for What’s Next

In this tender, reflective episode of In Your Element, Kathleen Kenneally returns to share what it was like to move from healer to patient, as she navigated surgery and the months of recovery that followed. She revisits the energy of fall and the Metal element—the year of the Snake, a time of shedding and releasing what no longer serves—and then traces how that naturally flowed into the deep stillness of winter and the Water element. Instead of rushing back, she found herself in a true cocoon: offline, quiet, and invited to experience “just being” in a way she’d talked about for years, but never fully had to live.

Kathleen shares vivid stories from her healing journey, including a slow-motion trip to Trader Joe’s that completely changed how she saw the pace of everyday life. Moving at what felt like 33 RPM instead of her usual 75, she noticed how much more she could actually see when she wasn’t rushing. She speaks honestly about resisting the need to rest, trying to add too many new practices too soon, and the emotional meltdown that followed—ultimately realizing she was still in winter, still healing, and being re-taught how to move through life with mindfulness and presence instead of overdrive.

As she looks ahead to Chinese New Year and the transition from the Snake year (a 9 year of completion) into the Fire Horse year (a 1 year of fresh starts and forward motion), Kathleen invites listeners to use these final weeks of winter wisely. This is the moment, she says, to slow down, take stock, and let the Water element fortify you before spring’s outward surge begins. From her heart to yours, she offers this episode as a gentle reminder that healing has its own timing—and that moving more consciously now will allow greater joy, growth, and expansion in the season to come.

To learn more or book a session, visit kenneallyacupuncture.com or call (661) 252-4100.