simple shui | how to YIN for ZEN

yin + yang are universal energies that attract and create movement – and a balance of both keep energy moving fluidly. yin is receptive energy (think: resting) while yang is creative and active. in their presence, we feel comfortable. balanced. and in the flow, yo. at first blush, people tend to want more YANG (energetic, bright, dominant) in their lives to ‘get things done!”; however, the world is overdosing on YANG right now, so might i suggest a few gulps of YIN to keep our souls from having a power outage? and because i like simple, how about 33 ways to practice YIN without much effort?

 

wear loose clothing, like kimonos + caftans.

get at least 8 hours of sleep.

spend time by yourself – off social media, without Netflix, zero texting.

 

engage in deep, soulful conversations. (we recently ‘met’ and our convo capsized some of my weighty self-doubts. and when transformation happens at a yin level – cellularly, profoundly, deeply – it is a most powerful force in the world.)

journal– write down your gratitude, scribble out those intentions, let your heart speak through your hand.

meditate.

 

ground yourself daily. stand outside barefoot (in the grass, on the dirt, make contact with mama earth) and it will cleanse you quicker than a match strike!

create open space + leave it that way.

read. (might i suggest EDUCATED, SOMETHING IN THE WATER, and WE’RE GOING TO NEED MORE WINE?)

 

prepare a home-cooked meal.

soak in a salty tub.

go for non-caffeinated drinks.

 

cushion extra time around your appointments +/or obligations so you can purposely take your time.

organize a space.

dedicate an entire day to not criticizing or judging anyone, including yourself.

 

incorporate dark or muted colors into your space/wardrobe to pull energy inward.

focus on one thing at a time.

drive the speed limit!

 

put a piece of heavy furniture in a room where you can’t get settled or comfortable.

soften energy with rugs on the floor +/or upholstered furniture. when we soften our surroundings, we soften how others view us.

bring out the cloth napkins or throw a tablecloth down for meals.

 

install the dimmer switch.

look for curved +/or flowing shapes that will soften the straight lines within a room.

step into the moonlight.

 

escape into the more yin spaces of your home during the day – these are typically the back of a house +/or upstairs floors.

avoid the words always and never.

accept that one rule does not apply to all situations + explore how that might change your perspective.

 

practice using your intuition more than intellect, and you will have two ways of seeing + interpreting the world.

watch the shadows that come and go with the sun rising + setting.

replace blinds with curtains.

 

spend more time at home.

sip your morning cuppa outside or near a window and just get lost gazing.

indulge the introvert in you.

xo