We live in overheated times. The world is literally getting hotter, and the dominant culture on our planet is a very competitive, comparison driven culture. In other words, there is an over abundance of yang energy dominating the planet at this time.
Heat and yang energy are not bad qualities. We need heat and the light of the sun to survive. And yang energy gets things done and can also help to bring people together in its own way. Many of the innovators of our times are men with strong willed, driven styles of leadership that have created social media, ipods, modern medicine and many ways we live longer, potentially healthier lives.
Yet, the imbalance of yin energy has consequences. Without yin calming energy, we burn ourselves out. Without yin energy, we don’t know why we are working so hard. Without enough yin energy, we lack compassion and community.
I also believe the lack of respect for yin energy has effects we don’t understand.
For instance, what if the obesity epidemic in the world is about more than overeating and underexercising? What if for many people, being overweight is actually a protection mechanism for sensitive people who are reacting to the overly yang energies of our times? For these people, the cure for obesity might actually be relaxation rather than adding more yang approaches to living. Systems like the Gabriel Method seem to have success in achieving positive results through a more yin approach to weight loss.
This Chinese year of the Water Dragon is a time when we will begin to balance the energies of yin and yang around the world. Things will not change overnight, however, this is a good time to ask yourself:
- Is there any place in your life where you are overheated?
- Is there any area of life where there’s not enough heat or yang energy?
- What is the best balance of yin and yang for you?
The balance of yin and yang energy in your life is your energetic footprint. You have an ideal energy balance, and you also have your actual reality. Bringing your life energetically into balance just might have some profound effects on your life and livelihood.
I predict that many workplaces will become more laid back and paradoxically more productive this year, but many of us will have to do this for ourselves first.
I’m offering Mini-Retreats this year to help my clients balance their yin and yang energies, though I don’t always talk about yin or yang energy depending upon who I’m serving. If you’re a coach or consultant or healer, I strongly urge you to consider offering Mini-Retreats in some way or form. Many people are overcommitted and overstretched and feel they don’t have time to rest and recuperate, but they might be able to find time for a short respite that you can provide.
Whatever your occupation, look at balancing your energetic footprint this year. Your rewards for doing so will be great. Here’s to living your ideal balance of yin and yang energy this year!
