Yin and Yang are with me every day, in the treatment room and in my own life.
At first glance, they may seem like opposites: yin is night, yang is day; yin is slow, yang is fast; yin is winter, yang is summer. But the relationship is much more nuanced than that. Yin and Yang cannot exist without one another. They are complementary forces that create harmony when balanced. Even in the yin-yang symbol, there is a small drop of each within the other, reminding us that nothing is purely yin or purely yang.
In my practice, I work with meridians, or channels, on the body. Half of these channels are yin, and half are yang. Lately, I've noticed that many of the areas in my own body that feel tight, restricted, or achy correspond to yang channels. The sides of my legs and my low back, both associated with yang channels, have been asking for my attention.
This gives me a clue about what's happening beneath the surface.
If the yang is overworked, then the yin is depleted. The equilibrium is off. The conversation between yin and yang becomes strained.
When I notice this imbalance, I ask myself:
Where am I rushing?
What am I skipping over?
What am I not fully paying attention to?
For me, nourishing yin looks like slowing down. Taking deeper breaths. Journaling. Walking without an agenda. Eating mindfully rather than distracting myself with Netflix or scrolling on my phone in the evening. Allowing answers and decisions to emerge in their own timing instead of forcing them before they are ready.
As we enter the Summer season, the most yang point on the cosmic wheel and the season of the Fire element. I invite you to remember your yin.
Summer naturally draws us outward. Longer evenings with friends, beach days, travel, celebrations, and social gatherings all encourage us to expend energy. While this is a beautiful part of the season, it's equally important to create moments of rest, reflection, and replenishment.
What would it look like for you to nourish your yin this month?