We push against the natural flow of yin energy in our very yang society. We force awake what needs to rest, and force to grow what needs to lie fallow.
Perhaps this is because of the Westerner’s idea that darkness is bad: The Light versus the Darkness in a nearly never-ending battle of good versus evil. In Eastern philosophy we find a different idea. We find that not all darkness is bad. In fact, most of it isn’t. Darkness is good and necessary. The darkness of rich, black fertile soil requires compost and fallow times in order for the growth of spring. The darkness of space and the night sky, allows rest of bodies and minds from constant motion. The darkness of the womb allows for gestation and creation.
In typical Western fashion we have misunderstood the yin—symbol of the feminine principle and darkness and the yang—symbol of the masculine principle and light. In the West, many interpret that the white or yang part of the yin-yang symbol means good and the black or yin part means bad or evil. We have imposed good vs. evil onto another paradigm that doesn’t call for it. In Taoism, both yin and yang are good, both are necessary, and they require balance between the two for health and harmony. In fact in the Tao Te Ching, there is one verse I’d translate as “Nod to the yang, but bow to the yin.” In other words, if you have to choose which one should be slightly ahead in the dynamic balance between yin and yang, choose yin.
This autumn leading up to the winter solstice, choose to honor the goodness of darkness, the blessing of darkness. Have times for deep rest, for space and sacred nourishment apart from the busyness of the holidays. Honor the sacred feminine. Honor the earth. Honor the black Madonna. Honor whatever feels like nourishment to your body and soul. You may find yourself swimming against our society’s ever-continuous tide toward the out-of-balance yang. I’d recommend not trying to swim against that tide because that’s just more yang energy and it’s exhausting! Instead, just float with the flow of life! When you feel the push to do more, notice the increased feeling of pressure inside, and say, “Hi I see you. I’m going to rest instead.” Get in touch with your body’s natural rhythms through a gentle practice of movement or breathwork or energy work. Feel the Oneness with the earth and with all Life, you’ll know the Flow that is balance and harmony and peace.
our field of human vision.” ~FB friend