How to create balance, part 3

Focusing on the opposite energy

To focus on the opposite energy means that on a rainy, dark or cold day, yin is in the air and we need to find a way to bring some yang quality into our lives. On a hot, summer day when yang is dominating  we need to find ways to introduce some yin energy to find balance.

If you're feeling stressed, pause for a minute, close your eyes and take three deep breaths. By calming the breath, we also calm the mind. If your day is very yang (fast paced, active and all over the place) a yin practice would be your yoga of the day to calm the nervous system and nourish yourself from within.

If you're lacking energy, feeling tired or your day is more passive, a yang practice, or getting the body moving with any other physical activity would be uplifting both for the body and mind. 

However, focusing on the opposite does not mean to push yourself to do the opposite of what you naturally feel more drawn to, but rather to reflect over what you need. By beginning to pay more attention inwards and by learning to identify the yin and yang energies, you have the ability to make more conscious choices. 

In balance poses it's all about finding balance over and over again, that applies to creating inner balance as well. What does your body need today? Maybe you really do need to rest if you're tired. Maybe doing something more active when stressed is necessary to be able to calm a restless body or mind. Or is in fact the answer the opposite? What does your mind need? And what is the heart longing for? By reflecting over these questions you can develop a deeper understanding for what you need to feel balanced and most importantly how you can create that for yourself.