In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the human body is a microcosm of the universe. This means that we are affected by the changes in nature and the energy of our outer world is mirrored within. By aligning our lifestyle to the natural flow of yin-yang in the world around us, we can cultivate harmony and balance within.
What is Yin-Yang?
Yin-yang represents the various expressions of life force energy. Life force energy is always flowing through the universe and our bodies and as it fluctuates, it manifests in diverse expressions. For example, yin-yang manifests as dark-light, cold-hot, rest-action, exhale-inhale, and feminine-masculine. Yin-yang teaches us that no matter how different and contrasting energies may seem, they are interconnected and interdependent. Like waves in the ocean, each wave may seem separate and unique, but every wave is part of the ocean. Everything and everyone in the universe is an expression of life force energy.
Daily Lifestyle
Morning
In the morning, the energy is transitioning from yin to yang as the sun begins to rise higher in the sky. As our bodies shift from restful yin energy to active yang energy, remember to be gentle with yourself. Allow your mornings to be slow–paced and easy going, especially if you wake up early. Gradually increase the level of activity in the body and mind as morning transitions to noon.
Afternoon
Noon is the peak of yang energy. Noon to mid-afternoon is when your body and mind are most active, which makes it an ideal time for challenging and demanding tasks. This includes eating and digesting your heaviest meal of the day. Since exercise requires the use of yang energy, it’s best to exercise in the afternoon. As the sun sets, gradually decrease your level of physical and mental activity.
Evening
In the evening, the energy is transitioning from yang to yin. Yin is the energy of rest, stillness, and darkness. At night it’s best to avoid excessive physical and mental activity and sensory stimulation like bright lights. Midnight is the peak of yin and immediately afterwards, the energy transitions to yang. To make the most of the evening’s restful yin energy, aim to be asleep by midnight.
Seasonal Lifestyle
Yang Seasons: Spring & Summer
Spring is the transition from yin to yang, representing a time of new beginnings and growth. Summer represents the peak of yang energy, a time of expressive and expansive energy. Align yourself with the yang seasons by waking early in the morning, spending more time outdoors, increasing your daily activity, and socializing.
Yin Seasons: Autumn & Winter
Autumn is the transition from yang to yin, a time of letting go and releasing what no longer serves us. Winter is the peak of yin energy, representing a time of stillness and introspection. Align yourself with the yin seasons by drawing your energy inwards and focusing on rest, self-reflection, and meditation.
A yin-yang lifestyle supports us to deepen our connection to ourselves and the universe. By embodying the unity and balance of yin-yang, we can experience greater flow and harmony in our body, mind, and spirit.
-
Jungjin Moon is a creative who transforms her spiritual journey into guided meditations, writing, and online courses. Her work is inspired by her studies in yin-yang philosophy and her personal experiences of spiritual expansion. Find more yin-yang related content on her Insight Timer.