What is Yin/Yang?
The Yin/Yang symbol is a metaphor for the constance dance between the masculine and feminine energies within each of us.
Yin is the female energy – the intuitive, receptive, nurturing side of ourselves that is in connection with the Divine. Yin is the energy that yield to the forces around it, flowing and smooth – the force that allows a seed to germinate in winter and makes water flow smoothly around a stone in a creek.
Yang is the male energy – the strong, action-oriented, forceful side of ourselves that gets things accomplished. Yang is the force that makes a seed sprout in the spring and makes strong flowing water move the stone in a creek.
Each of us, whether male or female, contains both of these characteristics. In a healthy balance, yin receives intuition and inspiration from the Divine, while yang acts on these inspirations.
If you feel out of balance – either uninspired, inspired but not taking action or active without any inspiration at all, then your yin and yang energies are out of balance.
Why are we out of balance?
We are out of balance because we have been trained to be out of balance! For centuries, the yang or masculine energy has been honoured in men – act but do not feel. The yin energy has been honoured in women, up until recently – feel but do not act. With the onset of the woman’s movement, women were encouraged to get in touch with their yang energy as well – to become active in the world, not merely nurturers and caretakers. And only recently, men have been encouraged to get in touch with their yin (feeling) side.
In some cases, we have been taught to use the masculine (yang) energy to suppress the female (yin) energy. If you have been taught to allow the masculine(yang) energy to overpower the feminine (yin) energy, you are likely to mistrust feelings and intuition, to doubt yourself, suppress your emotions or push them aside. You may feel as if you need more soulful qualities such as love, rest, creativity or adventure, but you easily ignore these in the name of practicality or duty. You are likely to be an intelligent, successful overachiever. You may be satisfied with the adrenaline rush, or you may be tired and wonder, “when is it my turn to have a life?”
Others have been taught to mistrust the male side of the energy. If this is you, you are likely to be intuitive, sensitive and caring, but wonder why you never seem to achieve your dreams. You help others achieve greatness but it is hard to get motivated on your own projects. You know you have the talent, but you often wonder why you can’t seem to express it or profit from it.
How do we get back in balance?
Proper Yin/Yang balance is achieved when we allow the male side of our energy to support the female, when our actions support our feelings and heart’s desires, when we neither suppress nor abandon these feelings.
In practical terms, proper Yin/Yang balance means you pay attention to your needs and desires and make time to act upon them.
In proper balance, you ask for help when you need it. You rest and take care of your physical needs. You make sure you have enough creative and emotional outlets in your life, and you make yourself an equal priority with the others in your life. In this perfect balance, the Divine speaks to you through your feelings and you act upon these inspirations. You are in the Divine flow of your life, living according to your soul’s blueprint, in harmony with all of creation.
