Yearning For Yin

To the ancient Chinese, the Tao (or Dao) symbolized "the way of nature", a way of living wisely achieved by careful balancing of the "yin" and "yang" energies of life. To Taoists, the yang represents the energy of doing, of moving into action. The yin is the energy of being and going with the flow.

The ancient Chinese sages taught that too much time spent in either the yin or yang can lead to imbalance, and that the universe will always act to restore balance. While it is possible to be stuck in the yin energy (I think we all know a few world champion couch potatoes), in our modern culture it is far more common to be addicted to the yang energy. We are raised to; do, accomplish, overcome, strive, accumulate, achieve, exert, etc. While the yang energy is essential to the success of many endeavours, if it is not regularly balanced by yin activities, (truly restorative, reflective time), it can lead to trouble.

Nature teaches that if you want to build a muscle, it requires some stress, followed by a period of rest. If you choose to continuously stress the muscle it will lead to injury. In our busy lives, when we chronically stress ourselves the injury can show up in strained relationships and a general loss of joy, direction and meaning. We can become far more fearful, more compulsive and more reactive. If we continue to ignore the yin, burn out and physical illness can follow.

Most people would acknowledge the truth in this ancient teaching. However putting this wisdom into practice is an entirely different matter. When you are stuck in a particular energy, it is our human nature to stay with what we know. For example, a super high achieving "yangster" might seek "renewal" in an exhausting physical workout. (For many individuals the very idea of completely unplugging and relaxing on a daily basis can seem preposterous.)

Without sufficient yin time or balance, life can become one long, joyless, exertion; a constant act of will.

With balance comes greater clarity and alignment, and we move into action from a place of joy and enthusiasm. It is easier for us to access our deeper wisdom and creativity. It is from a balanced perspective that we can begin to strip away the layers of conditioning and fear and begin to truly open our heart. It is only with an open heart that we can become truly inspired in our life.

As simple as this concept of balance may sound, the impact of its practice can be profound.