Understanding Yin & Yang

The well-known yin and yang symbol is rooted in taoist philosophy. The image of the dark swirl with a white dot within it and a light swirl with a dark dot within it conveys the idea that opposites are needed in order for harmony to exist. Both form a whole; it’s not that one is good and the other is bad but both are complementary. Indeed both energies are of the same essence but have very different qualities.

Anything with a yin type quality is cooler, with a less outward energy, more hidden, feminine and closer to the earth. Whereas yang is warmer, more masculine and closer to the sky. At any given time one can be more dominant within us but the other has not disappeared, it may simply be lying dormant or less obvious.

In terms of our physical movement and practice, anything involving rhythmic movement which engages our muscles can be considered yang. This is inclusive of vinyasa yoga, for example, and running, as this brings about energy and supports the health of our bones and organs. Other practices which allow the muscles to soften and is mainly spent in stillness are considered yin. This allows us to enter into a state of reflection and contemplation.

Neither is better or worse; this is key to our understanding of where yin and yang came from in the first place. Both types of practice and complementary.