Understanding the Yin & the Yang ☯️

You can find all about Yin and Yang encapsulated in the iconic visual representation of Yin and Yang that we’re all familiar with.

More often than not, we tend to think Yin and Yang are opposites, that they possess contradicting characteristics. while these descriptions hold truth, the relationship between Yin and Yang is far more profound. What’s more, Yin and Yang are complementary forces that cannot exist without one another. The characteristics are interconnected, with each containing a seed of the other.

When we look at the symbol of Yin Yang, the first thing we notice is the balance between the two forces. How both the dark and the light are sharing the same amount of cake. Neither force dominates, but instead live in harmony.

Holistically, it represents how a being is always made up of both Yin and Yang and the process of transformation, change, shift are always happening as the swirl of Yin penetrates on to Yang, and as the swirl of Yang also penetrates on to Yin. Creating a continuous process of natural flow of energy.

The “dots”— or as I prefer to call them the “seeds”, represent the idea that within every force lies the essence of its opposite. This illustrates that nothing is purely Yin or purely Yang because there’s always a hint of one another within each other.

Even so, the qualities of Yin and Yang are still separated in that interdependent relationship. Simply said, you wouldn’t be able to understand what darkness is without having light. Likewise, the light wouldn’t be “light” if it wasn’t for the existence of the dark. What a concept to serve a powerful methaphor for life? The joy and happiness are there for us to enjoy because we know what sorrow and sadness are.

Take a moment to reflect upon this concept and how it manifests in our daily life. In the fast-paced of Jakarta’s life, the city’s rhythm is infused heavily with Yang characteristics. It’s reflected in the dynamic, active, intense mannerism of the people. Through the hustle and juggle of responsibilities, noice of the traffic, and constant drive for progress and achievement, people are often seen channeling more of strength, vigour, and ambition to keep up with the relentless pace of urban life.

These are all important to have. But imagine this is how you always have to be 24/7. Imagine you’re serving just Yang with no Yin. For years, and years, and years… This is where Yin becomes essential.

Yin represents stillness, passive, calm energy that we all have (even if it’s hidden deep within). Yin shines through when we allow ourselves to rest, relax, and digest. This is why you’ll hear again and again that when people allow themselves to come to their Yoga mats, to meditate, to take a mindful walk, a soothing breathwork, they would feel more connected with themselves. They feel balance, in harmony, and content.

Or perhaps, you are the kind of individual who nourishes your Yin more than your Yang. Perhaps it’s a lot easier for you to tap into quietness and solitude but instead struggle to channel the active, goal-driven energy that Yang offers.

Take some time pause and ask yourself: is your main energy more of a Yin or a Yang? What else is possible for you to balance and create a harmonious cycle between the two? Remember that balance is not a static state, but a continuous process of honouring the two forces within you.