I've been allowing myself to take things at a slower pace. Allowing a change of scene and routine to help me balance out the nature of being a Human Doing! Holidays often help us reset and rebalance.....but so does Winter. Winter is a very Yin time and Yin is all about nourishment and absorption of all that we need to stay whole.
So, what is yin? Yin qualities are those such as cool, dark, soft, receptive, quiet, heavy, wet, passive, downward and inward. In the context of nature some examples of things that are yin include night time, rich dark soil, the shadowy side of a mountain and bodies of water (especially still water). In the context of our bodies, examples of yin include blood (nourishment), structural components such as the skeleton, the front of the body and internal organs. When we are resting, meditating or moving slowly we are practicing yin activities. In contrast, when we are being very active or loud or moving quickly, these would be considered yang in nature.
The world we live in tends to applaud yang activities such as being super productive, going out and having fun. These things are normal aspects of life but we can often be pushed to be very yang, even when we feel like being the opposite. It’s important to find balance by slowing down sometimes. In fact, much evidence shows that living in a slower, more thoughtful way where we act with intention is one of the keys to happiness and longevity.
If you’re someone who has a lot of yang energy and would like to harness more yin qualities to your life then try incorporating some or all of these ideas over the next few months. Having Winter here should help with the process as you have Yin Nature on your side :)
1. Rest
Make sure you make time for adequate sleep at night, go to bed when tired and take time for rest during the day as well.
2. Move slowly and with intention
As easy as it is to get caught up in life's hustle, making a mindful effort to slow down and move through the day with intention can help to nourish our bodies and minds.
3. Practice Meditation & Breathwork
This is a great way to incorporate rest into your day because not only is your body moving to slow down, but this practice will also help to calm your mind. Taking long, slow breaths and moving your body in time with each breath can be helpful.
4. Spend time in Nature
Being in nature surrounded by space, natural light and sounds can bring us back to a place of peace and grounded-ness. How lucky we are here on the Sunshine Coast to have this at our doorstep! Make it happen. Step outside.
5. Eat foods that nourish yin
Seaweed, oysters, pears, tofu, eggs, yogurt, avocado, asparagus, artichokes, aloe vera, black beans and kidney beans. Blood building foods such as red meat, beets, red dates and goji berries or other dark berries and dark leafy greens are all important as well because Blood is a yin substance.
So I hope you can create the time for yourself to cultivate this balance by giving yourself time to slow down, connect with nature and yourself in a deeper way, balancing your Nervous System and honouring yourself during the winter Energies of Yin.
Yours in Holistic Health and Wellness, Bec