Yin & Yang

The concepts of Yin & Yang (pron. yawng) are simple yet complex.  On one hand it is easy to define them as essence and force, respectively.  But, on the other hand, describing and understanding them becomes so complex and mind-expanding, that volumes of literature have been written about each.

We find this duality throughout every aspect of Yin and Yang.  Within everything that is, there is an element of Yin and an element of Yang.  And within each of those, the other resides.  This is why the Taoist (pron. Dowist) symbol contains the white fish, Yang, with a black eye, Yin, and a black fish, Yin, with a white eye, Yang.  The fish swim together, constantly transforming into each other, consuming each other and yet remaining balanced with each other so that each exists. 

Balance is the existential goal of Yin and Yang.  The balance between what is necessary for what is manifesting, and what is manifesting because of what is necessary.  In order for us to live, we need certain basics.  Water and air are at the top of that list.  Water, containing hydrogen and oxygen, and air, also containing hydrogen and oxygen, are the two most fundamental requirements for life.  One from above and one from below.  Water contains elements of air and air contains elements of water.  Yin and Yang.  Food, of course, is another life basic.  All living beings need food.  Without food, there is no living.  One becomes unable to feed the force of life.  Without the force of life, one is unable to gather food.  The quality of that fuel defines the quality of our body.  In other words, you are what you eat.  In our constant pursuit of health and happiness, we have lost sight of what is necessary and what is manifesting.

I know that I do not need a $4 cup of coffee for many reasons.  Coffee is a diuretic and, therefore, depletes my body of the fluids it needs.  Coffee also brings excessive heat to the digestive organs of the body (even if drunk cold) causing even more fluid depletion through evaporation by the body to cool down.  Coffee withdrawals (yes, like drug withdrawals) include migraine headaches, irritability, restlessness, fatigue and more.  These facts alone are enough to stay away, but then you go and put a high price tag on it and...well, the facts speak clearly.  With this knowledge, I am still shocked to see how many different ways we poison our bodies because the poisons have become socially acceptable and readily available.  Propagandous marketing has blinded humans to reality.  Do you drink coffee for breakfast?  Is that all you take for breakfast?  Is that really the best part of waking up?  How about all those prescription drug commercials out there?  Take a pill for heartburn, but expect you may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or, in some cases, severe liver damage.  And then there are those that because of existing health conditions cannot take the pill at all less they risk certain death.  WHAT?!  A tablespoon of red wine or apple cider vinegar not only takes care of the immediate effects of heartburn but it is also beneficial to the rest of the body as it promotes blood circulation...and it won't kill you.

During the course of this blog, I will explore the balance of Yin and Yang:  The external balance we see in nature; the internal balance we see within ourselves; the balance of our outer with our inner; and the balance of the manifestation of the necessary.  I will draw from my personal experiences, my own pursuit of knowledge, shared knowledge of family and friends and the teachings of  'a master in her own time', my doctor and teacher.

The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition, nor to insult or demean anyone or any being. Please respect this boundary. Otherwise, anything goes.