When you’re looking to become more conscious in your life, there are two kinds of modalities that are worth observing: Yin and Yang. To be mindful in all we do, these two “guides” can be helpful in navigating how we show up, whether what we face is a blessing or a challenge.
Today I want to share with you the deeper meaning of each, so you can consider whether a certain action, project, or relationship requires one and/or the other.
Yang is the masculine principle of movement and creative activity; the power to make things happen, taking action. So, when you are in more of a yang mode, your energy is directed to propelling things forward, and manifesting thought and desire into concrete form. These are the times when you do well to build momentum and make headway. It’s important to feel confident as you make things take shape.
In relationships, when you are more in yang, you take action, lead, or make the first move. You have to trust you will know where you stand if you take such action.
In terms of career or how you serve in the world, yang has more to do with the “make it happen” phase. This is where you take a stand and get things done. You feel like taking action and often you have the vitality to accomplish what you set out to do.
Yin is the feminine principle of receptivity: gathering in information and taking in cues; the art of conscious allowing; letting others take the lead.
Sometimes you have to give room for things to happen. If you hold too tight, or are too impatient, you miss the coalescing, blooming, maturing. Yin doesn’t mean, “do nothing”, but rather consciously allowing things to flow to you, and you can be poised to receive. It implies sensitivity as you alertly study the actions of others and contemplate how they will affect you and yours.
In relationships, yin is when you let others take the lead. Your power lies in small gestures, soft awareness, and conscious surrender. When you let go tightly of the reins you really see who others are by allowing their actions to speak about them.
In terms of career, a yin time is when the most effective action is to allow others to show you the way forward. Collaborate and offer your ideas rather than dictating what must happen. Let others come to you. Sometimes it’s important that others feel they have some influence. To me, I also find yin is the moment where I must show up in my essence in order for there to be authenticity in the experience.
Now, there is a danger in being too yang or too yin. If you are too yang, you may find yourself being impulsive, over-confident, or aggressive. You have to think before you act or else there will be consequences. When you’re too aggressive, you might not be sure that what you’re chasing is really what you want. In those cases, you might be sorry when you get it! This is where practicing states like temperance, diplomacy and thoughtful consideration are important before making a move.
If you are too yin, nothing gets done and people may take advantage of you as they don’t feel your boundaries.
Now you might be asking why I would even consider the terms yin and yang. At this stage in my life, I’ve played by a lot of rules only to find out “not all rules apply”! From these experiences I’ve gained the wisdom that what works in life is not the masculine way or the feminine way; it’s the art of understanding what is required in any given situation. We have an opportunity to use our whole selves consciously, courageously and for the good of all. Understanding these two principles is a way for us to consciously navigate what we are doing in our lives.
Today, wherever you are directing your attention, whether it be a project, a boss, a family member or YOURSELF(!), take a moment to consider what energy is required to further this experience?
Let me know what you find out below. I love to hear from you!
Mindfully,
If this resonates with you and you’d like to overcome some of your own barriers to living the life you want, then click here and I’ll make sure we connect. And you know I like to share the love, so if you know someone who could benefit from this article then please share it! Imagine, thought by thought and act by act we are creating a more conscious world.
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