THE YIN
How are you doing this week?
These transitions between seasons can be difficult for so many of us. Many of us have about this transition back into fall and winter from the summer and how it can be exhausting.
So, why are we feeling like this transition is particularly hard?
Because this is the actually the time we are supposed to be resting. These seasons are a time of Yin.
So, what is yin? Yin is a concept. Yin is feminine, soft, nourishing, dark, full. It is rest. And it exists in contrast to Yang. Yang is masculine, movement, light, and energy. They are opposites. They are a cycle. They feed and nourish each other, pushing the wheel forward.
So, why am I saying that our society ignores the Yin? And, why does it even matter?
There is an extreme emphasis on productivity and doing things in our society (YANG), but relatively no emphasis on rest (YIN). So many of us have spoken about the guilt that comes from taking time to rest only to feel like we aren't entitled to it. There is an expectation that you only deserve rest if you are productive. This leads to so many cascading effects: questioning if you have been productive enough, guilt tripping yourself when you do rest, and feeling the need to block out time for self care.
We cannot grow and expand (YANG) if there is no nourishment (YIN) to support us. We cannot pour from an empty vessel.
So, I encourage you to welcome Yin into your life, especially during this season. Cultivating yin can look like eating more bone broth, nourishing soups and stews, taking a warm bath at night, sleeping longer into the morning or going to bed earlier.
What are some ways you cultivate yin in your daily life?
Want to cultivate yin with acupuncture (which I love to do)? Book an appointment with me by clicking here.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended for the purpose of providing medical advice. All information, content and material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment.
