What is Yin & Yang

And why is it relevant to my Physical and emotional wellbeing?

You will often hear me talk about Yin this and yang that, so I thought it might be helpful to describe what it’s all about! And how finding some balance between the two can bring more bliss to your life.

I have also included one of my fav Yin Yoga poses that can help you welcome a little more yin into what can be a very yang heavy season.

So, grab a brew, settle into a comfortable spot, and let's explore this Yin & Yang stuff.

Yin & Yang could most simply be compared as High & Low, Hot & Cold, Fast & Slow, Day & Night, Sun & Moon.

Our everyday lives revolve around this dance of Yin & Yang. They are a double act, both very different but also very harmonious and complementary to each other.

We can’t have one without the other and when it comes to our physical and emotional wellbeing this balance can have a huge impact on everything from our mood, digestion, sleep, movement, energy levels etc.

Yin represents the softer, more introspective side, akin to a moonlit night. It embodies qualities like stillness, darkness, coolness, and nourishment. But too much yin can have us feeling cold, unmotivated, depressed, and low in energy.

Yang embodies the vibrant, active energy of a sunny day. It encompasses qualities like light, warmth, movement, and expansion. But too much yang can leave us feeling irritated, stressed, restless and overwhelmed.

So, like many things in life, we look to cultivate as harmonious balance as we can and when finding this balance, we sleep better, we feel more energised, motivated, calmer, and physically our body functions better.

Now seasonally and according to Traditional Chinese Medicine we are currently in the most Yang time of year, add to this our busy lives and this gorgeous but very warm weather. I would hazard a guess that a bit of Yin in your life wouldn’t go unappreciated by body and mind right now!

So, with this in mind how about trying this posture tonight or whenever you just need a bit of chill! The Legs raised pose, which can be practised on a bolster or a couple of pillows like I am in the picture below.

As well as helping you balance your Yin & Yang, it is also super beneficial for easing tired achey legs, improving circulation and excellent for helping promote more restful sleep.  

Ideally, I would recommend staying in this pose for up to 10 minutes but as much time as you can spare would be great.

While you are in the posture try equalling out the pace of your breath so for example inhaling for a count of 4 and exhaling for a count of 4. Breathing in this equally paced way sends a little nod to our nervous system, telling it all is well and that its time to relax.

Other ways we can honour Yin & Yang and strive towards more physical and emotional harmony in our lives.

Engaging in regular exercise, such as vigorous Yang-based activities like cardio or strength training, helps build strength, endurance, and flexibility.

But equally we can honour the Yin aspect of physical well-being. Incorporating practices like yin yoga, gentle stretches, or mindful walks in nature allowing us to listen to our bodies, promote relaxation, and nurture our inner selves.

Embracing Yin and Yang also has profound effects on our emotional well-being.

Yin energy encourages introspection, self-compassion, and emotional resilience. Taking moments for self-reflection, practicing mindfulness, or journaling can help us cultivate inner peace and a deeper connection with ourselves.

Yang energy empowers us to express our emotions, set boundaries, and pursue our passions. By honouring our desires, engaging in creative outlets, and seeking connection with others, we invite joy and fulfilment into our lives.

In the spirit of not creating more overwhelm, our quest to finding balance between Yin and Yang doesn’t have to be rigidly dividing our lives into equal parts. It can be recognizing and honouring the ebb and flow of these energies. Listening to our bodies and hearts, nourishing them with what they truly need at any given moment.

In our modern world, it's easy to become overwhelmed, constantly pushing forward without pausing to embrace stillness. By intentionally creating space for both Yin and Yang, we can help prevent burnout and cultivate a sense of well-being that radiates from within.

If this is something you’re struggling to balance and like the sound of learning practices to create more harmony for body and mind, I can help with this. Head over to www.myholisticbliss.com to find out more about my online or in person offerings.

Lots of Yin & Yang Love

Debbie xx