They dynamics of yin and yang are ever present, quite like the universal laws in Physics governing the movements of nature. Each morning, I wake up with a fully restored energy level before setting to work. Thus, each morning I am with an abundance of potential energy (yin) yet to be transformed into productive kinetic energy (yang). Such a transformation is an unhurried, subtle development that takes place between waking up in the morning and going to bed at night. Within this 12-hour working cycle, are smaller cycles of activities (yang) and rest (yin); naturally humans are not capable of laboring for a straight 12-hours. An attempt at excess on one element will have an adverse effect on the body of the person. The same 12-hour cycle is embedded into the bigger 24-hour cycle characterized either by consciousness (yang) and sleep (yin). When we are conscious, we are awake and aware of internal and external stimuli, thus we are actively adapting to the circumstances. While asleep, we are still, at ease and relaxed. The Repair Theory of Sleep has very yin underpinnings, holding that sleep restores, replenishes and rebuild our brains and bodies that are somehow worn-out by day’s working activities.
As I step into the world outside my room, I see a bigger picture with more yin and yang relationships. The social structure is made up of opposing links and overlying relationships. In our patriarchal society, men (yang) are expected to be the more dominant and influential in decision making vis-à-vis women (yin) who are expected to be submissive and docile. Social constructs such as genders have attached yang characteristics to men and yin characteristics to women creating a gender tension between. Understandably, in ancient China women are expected to be hidden in their homes, passive and contracting to give way for a man’s active and expansive rule as culturally dictated upon them. But in reality, men (yang) and women (yin) carries a certain degree of femininity (yin) and masculinity (yang) respectively. A woman can be assertive and overpowering and a man can be nurturing and gentle depending on the situation. In the long-run, women are slowly transforming and being accepted in initially masculine sphere of politics and power while the society are no longer as harsh and judgmental about male caregivers and ‘house-husbands’. What is most significant I believe is the realization that men and women are created to complement not to subdue one another for the other cannot exist without the other.
A woman maybe yin relative to her husband but is yang relative to her children in terms of decision-making and household power yet remains nurturing (yin) as a mother. A man on the contrary maybe yang relative to her wife and his children but is subservient and passive (yin) relative to his boss who makes all significant decisions. Among their circle of friends they can be both yin and yang depending on who they are being compared with and what aspect of their personality is being compared. Thus, yin and yang is principle of relativity, acquiring for us meaning always in relation with other people.
Our world is a world of plurality and conflicts – always a potential groundwork for the actualization of the yin and yang. Being true to the principles of yin and yang, we must contemplate on and appreciate this plurality as it creates a more diverse and inspired world for us. More often than not, we rarely take time to see the beauty of this creative tension emerging from differences and oppositions. Perhaps if we do, we will consciously work towards the full realization of yin and yang which is harmony.
References:
Chinese Medicine: The Web That Has No Weaver, Ted J. Kaptchuk, O.M.D., McGraw-Hill/Contemporary Books, 2nd Edition, 2000.
Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine, Harriet Beinfield and Efrem Korngold, Ballintine Books, 1992.