Discovering My True Self: The Journey of Yin and Yang Alignment
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Chapter 1: Understanding Yin and Yang
The Yin Yang symbol is one of the most recognized symbols globally, typically understood to signify the balance between opposing forces. Initially, I interpreted it as a simple representation of good versus evil, believing that each contains a piece of the other. However, after three decades of living and reflecting, I discovered that my understanding was quite superficial. At 15, I thought I comprehended everything there was to know, yet my teenage insights were limited.
As I delved into the meaning of Yin Yang for this post, I realized my grasp was still lacking. I was surprised to learn that the black represents Yin and the white symbolizes Yang. I had thought it was the opposite!
What I Discovered About Yin and Yang
Curious to clarify my confusion, I consulted Wikipedia's definition of Yin Yang:
“In Ancient Chinese philosophy, yin and yang (?? y?nyáng, literally ‘dark-bright’, ‘negative-positive’) is a dualistic concept that describes how seemingly opposite or contrary forces may actually complement and depend on one another in the natural world, and how they can give rise to each other as they interact.”
According to this understanding, Yin, or the dark side, is linked to attributes such as hardness, negativity, coldness, moisture, and femininity, while Yang, or the light side, is connected to softness, positivity, warmth, dryness, and masculinity. This raised a question for me: how can men be perceived as softer than women?
Women often demonstrate remarkable resilience when faced with life's adversities. They frequently sacrifice for their families and exhibit a higher tolerance for suffering. Particularly working mothers are among the hardest workers, often having to navigate complex dynamics to ascend the corporate ladder.
In Chinese cosmology, the universe emerges from an initial chaos of material energy, organized into cycles of Yin and Yang, manifesting as objects and lives. Yin embodies the receptive aspect, while Yang represents the active principle, evident in cycles like seasonal changes (winter versus summer) and relational dynamics (female versus male). The overarching theme of Yin Yang is balance and harmony; when equilibrium is achieved, there is peace, whereas an excess of one aspect leads to disorder.
In astrology, each sign embodies either a feminine or masculine energy, and it's crucial to remember that these energies don't correlate directly with gender. However, we are not solely defined by one sign. Our birth charts are intricate, comprising various planetary placements across diverse signs.
To achieve harmony in one’s astrological chart, one must assess the distribution of planets among fire, earth, air, and water signs, as well as their alignment within Yin and Yang categories and the cardinal, fixed, or mutable modalities.
The masculine signs are associated with the sun, while feminine energies are linked to the moon. To achieve balance, one must analyze the number of planets in each category.
Chapter 2: Insights from My Energy Chart
In my energy chart, I discovered a predominance of six masculine energies over four feminine energies. Although this leans heavily masculine, I have never felt unfeminine. Or have I?
I learned that an imbalance in one’s chart might create a feeling of disarray until one consciously integrates the opposite energies into their life.
Throughout my more than 17-year marriage, I assumed multiple roles: the primary earner, the bill-payer, the household manager, and the one responsible for my son’s Lego constructions and various household tasks. This relentless pace left me feeling energetically drained.
Despite being the financial provider, I also took on roles as a caretaker and tutor for my three children and my husband. I was the one juggling countless responsibilities, leaving little room for self-care. Reflecting on this reality, I realized that I had created a life that drained my energies, necessitating a search for realignment.
How I Found Balance
My spiritual journey truly began upon discovering the polarities of Yin and Yang within my birth chart. I initiated my realignment by prioritizing self-care practices.
I enrolled in yoga classes at my workplace gym, cut my long hair, and treated myself to manicures and pedicures. I rekindled my love for ballet and began exploring my surroundings instead of sticking to routine. I reconnected with friends and even created my first social media account. Attending a concert after 15 years was liberating.
Engaging in activities that sparked joy revitalized my spirit. Ultimately, I realized I had to leave behind the toxic relationship with my karmic partner, which had drained my energy.
The steps I took to embrace what I perceived as feminine qualities inadvertently allowed me to tap into my full masculine potential. I became ambitious, dreamt big, and grew stronger emotionally and physically, shedding fear and cultivating confidence. I learned to appreciate my life more, viewing my challenges as opportunities rather than setbacks.
The aim isn't merely achieving equal balance; instead, it's about living in alignment with one's energetic framework, which is inherently interconnected. In my pursuit of embracing femininity, I inadvertently embraced my masculine power, achieving a state of realignment.
Through this journey of balancing energies, I discovered my wings. We embody both Yin and Yang; there is a negative (Yin) and positive (Yang) aspect in everything. The coexistence of Yin and Yang reflects our complete existence, reminding us that we embody both energies.
Alignment requires us to be aware of the self-imposed limitations that may hinder our growth and the resultant realities that are less than fulfilling.
The first video titled "Every Yin Needs its Yang" explores the essential balance between these two energies and how they manifest in our lives.
The second video, "Yin vs. Yang in Relationships, Ourselves & Our World," delves into the dynamics of these energies in various aspects of life and self-awareness.