Yearning For Yin

To the ancient Chinese, the Tao (or Dao) symbolized "the way of nature", a way of living wisely achieved by careful balancing of the "yin" and "yang" energies of life. To Taoists, the yang represents the energy of doing, of moving into action. The yin is the energy of being and going with the flow.

The ancient Chinese sages taught that too much time spent in either the yin or yang can lead to imbalance, and that the universe will always act to restore balance. While it is possible to be stuck in the yin energy (I think we all know a few world champion couch potatoes), in our modern culture it is far more common to be addicted to the yang energy. We are raised to; do, accomplish, overcome, strive, accumulate, achieve, exert, etc. While the yang energy is essential to the success of many endeavours, if it is not regularly balanced by yin activities, (truly restorative, reflective time), it can lead to trouble.

Nature teaches that if you want to build a muscle, it requires some stress, followed by a period of rest. If you choose to continuously stress the muscle it will lead to injury. In our busy lives, when we chronically stress ourselves the injury can show up in strained relationships and a general loss of joy, direction and meaning. We can become far more fearful, more compulsive and more reactive. If we continue to ignore the yin, burn out and physical illness can follow.

Most people would acknowledge the truth in this ancient teaching. However putting this wisdom into practice is an entirely different matter. When you are stuck in a particular energy, it is our human nature to stay with what we know. For example, a super high achieving "yangster" might seek "renewal" in an exhausting physical workout. (For many individuals the very idea of completely unplugging and relaxing on a daily basis can seem preposterous.)

Without sufficient yin time or balance, life can become one long, joyless, exertion; a constant act of will.

With balance comes greater clarity and alignment, and we move into action from a place of joy and enthusiasm. It is easier for us to access our deeper wisdom and creativity. It is from a balanced perspective that we can begin to strip away the layers of conditioning and fear and begin to truly open our heart. It is only with an open heart that we can become truly inspired in our life.

As simple as this concept of balance may sound, the impact of its practice can be profound.

Happiness Redux

Here is a great article on happiness, that succinctly summarizes all you really need to know.

http://pathwaytohappiness.com/happiness/2007/05/15/controlling-your-happiness/

Cheers,

Steve

AFRICA

Recently I had the pleasure of going on a small walking safari in Tanzania. For those of you who have expressed an interest in learning more about the trip, and seeing some of my pictures, you will find them at Africa.

Enjoy,

Steve

The Power of Inspiration

So there I was, alone, in the cold black February dawn. We had come to Long Beach on Vancouver Island to watch the winter storms. I had woken early and leaving my dear wife to her dreams, had decided to walk along the shore. The tide was out. The monster North Pacific waves thundered to shore a quarter mile to the west of me. I was alone with my thoughts as I walked along the endless sandbar. It was a very peaceful moment.
Just then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw an extraordinary black shape speed past me, through the darkness. Startled, I squinted to see what other creature had invaded the remote beach.

Once the shock passed, I discerned the mystery shape to be a surfer, in a wetsuit, carrying a board. By the overall size, gait, and the zeal with which they approached the frigid water, it appeared to be a lone teenager.

I had a momentary thought to intervene. The waves were easily 10 feet high. It was freezing cold with a drizzle, and still too dark to see clearly. My thoughts raced. The surfer would be alone and beyond assistance should they get into trouble. Who knows what large sea creatures might be lurking out in the bay. But by the time I decided to check their mental capacity, it was too late. The surfer was long past me, in the water and paddling off to catch the first wave of the morning.

I couldn't help but watch out of concern. I grew up on the ocean and know its ways. I am a strong swimmer, and yet I knew that should anything happen to the lone surfer, there was no way I, or anyone else, could be of assistance. The distance was too long, the waves were too big, and the water too cold.

This kid was out there alone. I finished my walk and headed back to the lodge for breakfast.
As I sat in the cozy dining room of the Long Beach Lodge, enjoying a warm cup of tea, I reflected on what it takes to get a teenager out of their warm bed, overcome their fears, and endure the pain and discomfort (even in a wet suit this is no picnic) of a long winter swim.

I believe inspiration, is one of the most powerful motivating forces in the world. People have taken huge risks, and endured unfathomable discomfort, inspired and in pursuit of their vision. Inspiration in the heart of great teachers has changed the course of history. (Modern neuroscience is just beginning to understand the mechanisms by which these activating energies of the left-prefrontal cortex can override our usual cautious nature.)

If there is something you want to accomplish, no matter how impossible it might seem, if you can connect to an inspiring vision of the outcome you really want - you access the power to accomplish amazing things.

Sufficient inspiration, it seems, will always trump fear.