“Nothing is completely yin nor is it completely yang. All things in the material universe contain the seed of their opposite force... Therefore, yin can become yang and yang can also become yin, though both yin and yang are needed for the whole to be complete.”
- Chang Sok Suh.
Yin and Yang: what do they mean? Yin relates to the moon energy: calming, soothing, cool, passive, grounded, receptive, still. Yang relates to the sun energy; growth, movement, heat, fire, action. Neither can exist without the other.
I often hear people defining themselves as 'more Yin' or 'more Yang' but in reality we are both. Both at different times. Both at the same time. We might feel more drawn to one like some people might prefer the slow movement and stillness of a restorative yoga class whilst others prefer a hot sweaty dynamic vinyasa flow. Not one is superior or inferior to the other. They both have value. We need both for us to appreciate the different states in life. Without darkness how can we appreciate the light of the moon and stars? Without the cold chill of the evening, how can we we appreciate the warm comfort of the sun?
If you recognise that you are drawn to Yin or Yang, then why not make a conscious effort to do the opposite? So for me, it might be to take myself out of my comfort zone and go for a run or try a HIIT class at the gym, or for someone else who is drawn to movement and constantly being on the go, why not try stillness like a few calming Yin poses or a mediation or simply sitting still? Your mind may react- it doesn't like change. But by challenging ourselves to try something different in our regular fitness/wellness practice, we teach the brain that it is ok step out of the familiar. You don't have to like it. But you can use it as a tool for learning about yourself, how your mind tries to control you and how you easily slip into the familiar. A little bit of disruption to those old patterns can result in growth, experiencing new things and learning about yourself.
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