I’ll take some Yin with that Yang Please!

Most of us would recognize the above symbol to represent the Chinese Taoist concept of Yin/Yang.  In Taoist philosophy, as well as Chinese medicine, these terms are used to describe all aspects of our world.

Yin and Yang are relative descriptors that beautifully depict how complimentary opposites co-exist in nature to create perfect balance.

To give you an idea of their meaning, each can be characterized as follows:

Yin                               Yang

Hidden                          Exposed

Dark                             Light

Cold                              Hot

Moon                             Sun

Still                               Moving

Downward                     Upward

Calm                             Excited

Female                             Male

In the yoga tradition, the Sanskrit word hatha (as in Hatha Yoga), is defined as sun (“ha”) and moon (“tha”).  The principles and practice of Hatha Yoga is one that aims to bring balance to the opposing aspects of our being – lunar and solar, female and male and yes…. yin and yang.

I am fascinated by how these ancient philosophies are analogous in their approach to life.  As I continue to study these concepts of Yin and Yang, it becomes more and more evident to me that our current day lifestyles are greatly skewed toward Yang.

In my opinion, most of us could all use some more Yin experiences to balance out the plethora of Yang activities in our lives!  Take a moment and think about your daily activities…. would you describe most of your activities to be more Yin-like or Yang-like?  Technically, these are relative terms that should be used in a specific context… so I ask you to allow me some leeway to make a point.

My intention is to have you develop a “feel” for your daily life.  How many activities excite your emotions versus calm your nerves?  How many feel hectic and rushed versus patient and slow?  How many are active and result-focused rather than passive and experience-oriented?

I think the majority of people now-a-days would say that their scale tips to the Yang side a bit more!  So how do we bring more balance into our lives when everything around us – the societal energy around us – pushes us to be more Yang-like?

First, we must begin to identify and recognize what types of things may be tipping our scales – and of course, this will be different to everyone based on their own unique set of circumstances.

Then, allow me to suggest some “baby steps” for introducing more Yin-like experiences each day:

1.    Take yourself out off the “Noise” for 15-30 minutes each day.  Whatever your environment – the workplace or home – find a way to remove yourself for a brief time.  Take a quiet walk at lunch (now that spring is approaching!), take a power-nap (and DON’T feel guilty about it!), or even have lunch by yourself and enjoy the time alone.

2.    Simply eat during meals.  Instead of watching the TV, reading, surfing the web or texting while your eating, just EAT!  Really be present with your food – savor it and see if you can identify its flavors.  You’ll not only enjoy your food more, but you’ll become more aware of how much you are eating and when you are really full.

3.    “Get off the Grid” at a certain time each day.  We don’t need to be connected to the world (at least in a technology context!) 24/7.  Stay away from your computer and turn off your cell phones at a certain time each day.

4.    Take “Breathing Breaks”.  When you feel things speeding up with the potential to get “crazy”, pause and take 5-10 deep breaths.  You can even set an alert on your cell phone or computer (during your designated grid time of course 🙂 ) to remind you about these breaks.  It may sound silly… but whatever works!

5.    Incorporate more passive forms of physical activity into your workouts.  Balance the vigorous aerobic and strengthening routines with passive, focused stretching.  Or add experience-oriented practices like qi-gong, tai chi, or hatha, yin and therapeutic yoga approaches to your athletic regimen.  Giving equal time to these passive practices will actually improve your more active workouts.

Of course, these are just some simple, general suggestions and you may find many others that are more suitable to your specific situation.  And certainly, I am not suggesting that Yin experiences are better or more desirable than Yang experiences.  We need both… but we need both in equal proportions.

My point is to have you notice how the Yin and Yang forces are at play in your life…. Do they feel as if they co-exist harmoniously feeding one-another?  Or do they feel “out of whack” with one dominating over the other?  And then ask yourself if you couldn’t use a little Yin with that Yang?  🙂