In every moment, of every day, life is comprised of movement and stillness.
My father was the 13th child in a farm family, who was taught early on to “earn his keep”. As his daughter, I too was raised with a strong work ethic. And of course, current culture is one in which “laziness” is frowned upon and “productivity” rewarded.
I’ve always pushed myself hard – first managing work alongside school/college/grad school; then jumping into a demanding career in healthcare leadership. When it came to generating results, I was convinced if I just “worked hard enough” I would achieve the outcomes I desired. Sometimes this strategy worked; other times it didn’t. Regardless, this “strong work ethic” often resulted in me feeling overextended, depleted and emotionally exhausted.
Ill health became my wake-up call. As I worked to regain my health, I began to realize how out of balance my energies were – I was trapped in perpetual motion! Always on the go, juggling kids, career and home and being far too heavily influenced by the Yang (doing) realm. I had lost sight of the value and balancing effect of Yin (being/still) energies – no longer taking time for self-care, journaling or even daydreaming!
Regardless of gender, all beings have two defined energies - Yin (often associated with feminine) and Yang (often associated with masculine). In the current “just do it” culture, where results are so highly valued, many men AND women are out of balance, over-extending Yang energy.
For optimal wellness – physical, emotional & spiritual – maintaining balance between masculine and feminine energies is essential!
Balancing Yin and Yang energies applies directly to optimal wellness and also extends to our way of being in this world. I could never have launched The Centre of Wellness without tapping into both energies. First, engaging Yin energy – receptivity and intuition – to realize my true purpose, as well as process-oriented, relational strategies to ensure my business model was optimally aligned. Second, tapping Yang strengths, I was able to act with the take charge, fire in the belly energy needed to execute my work plan and overcome any real or perceived barriers.
This experience has been potent! As a nurse, colleagues and I often practiced by the motto – learn it, do it, teach it. By integrating energy balancing into both my self-care and business model, I am better able to appreciate the real power of the Yin/Yang Model comes when we learn how – and when – to simultaneously call forth these powerful energies. I’ve learned it — I’ve practiced it — and now it’s time that I teach it!
Yin/Yang Attributes:
Yin: Feminine, being, intuitive, inward facing, receptive, process-oriented, collaborative..
Yang: Masculine, doing, outward facing, goal-oriented, determined, commanding, assertive
As we move deeper into Autumn then Winter (both Yin seasons) and simultaneously charge into the busy holiday season, I encourage you to assess your energetic balance. Are you giving to your SELF as much as you are giving to others? Are you finding time to play, experience joy, rest in quietude (Yin actions)? Do you know what stressors/triggers push your energies out of balance? Be curious! And, as always, be compassionate toward your process and self.
