Last week we connected to the idea of cultivating a stronger sense of feminine energy, that which is symbolized by compassion, connection, and collaboration. As we approach the Equinox (March 20) as well as pass through the third quarter moon cycle, it's the perfect time to think about balancing our energies. As we spent time exploring feminine energy, it's important to note that it needs to be in balance with its opposing energy-masculine. As you can see in the image above, the Taoist concept of Yin and Yang are separate, yet completely linked. Yang energy is masculine, rises and creates heat, whereas Yin energy is feminine, moves downward and is cooling. It's similar to Hatha yoga in that Ha is sun and Tha is the moon so the two definitely conspire to support the idea of both darkness and light. Wanting to foster a positive experience, yoga so often draws attention to "love and light" that we sometimes neglect the darkness, a vital part of the whole.
During the third quarter moon, we are in the darkest part of the moon cycle with complete darkness at the approaching the new moon. It can be a time of tension and is the perfect opportunity for completion of tasks. We seek a sense of clarity before the new moon so as to clear the way for planting our new moon intentions. To quote C.JoyBell C. "The dance between darkness and light will always remain-the stars and the moon will always need the darkness to be seen, the darkness will just not be worth having without the moon and the stars." We can look at this time of darkness as a necessary part of the cycle to clear and adjust our energies in order to welcome the balanced time of the equinox.
This past week in classes we've been paying attention to the ebb and flow of Yin and Yang energy. Some poses are more obviously Yang in nature, like sun salutations and standing warrior poses, and others, like savasana (corpse pose), are definitely on the Yin side of the energy spectrum. As we moved through class, we paid attention to what felt as though it was warming and energizing, and what was cooling and calming. Then the question is asked, "Does this feel like it's in balance for you not only on the mat but in day-to-day life?"
Our culture is Yang in nature...it's active and purpose-driven. If we add into that our individual drive we can quickly come to a place of too much Yang and too little Yin. Coming from a Sports Science background and moving into the fitness industry, plus being a fiery Pitta dosha (my predominant Ayurvedic constitution) I had a ton of Yang energy. And I could hear a little squeak of a voice hiding deep within asking for something to come into balance. I ignored it for years, pushing, competing and striving which felt like it really served me...until it didn't. I remember a specific time when I went through a difficult personal relationship break-up and had waves of fatigue that more caffeine and more sleep didn't remedy. It turned out that I had Epstein Barr virus, a condition where my immune system became quite compromised and I was literally shoved into the ground. What helped me to recover was heading out of the city to camp along a riverbank for 4-5 days with a group of friends that are part of my "heart" family. We sat on the sandy banks, watched people glide by water skiing, cooked out, ate, rested, laughed, and slept. It was the perfect "Yin and tonic".
That episode was a great teacher showing me that with all my Yang energy I needed to get to know my Yin. And now, it's a vital part of my ongoing self-care founded in daily morning meditation. My thought of the week is for us to take some time to look at how much heat and coolness we have in our lives-emotionally, physically and spiritually. Seeking balance is a continual challenge, and awakening to our own patterns and needs is a vital part of the journey.
☯️🕉
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