May the Yin Be with You
In the northern hemisphere, the darkest time of the year occurs between December 20-22. In astronomical terms we call this the Winter Solstice. This is the time with the shortest days and the longest nights. It is the opposite of the summer solstice which occurs between Jun 20-22. Almost every culture around the world recognizes this annual event and marks it with various traditions and celebrations. The earliest known observations date back to 10 000 BC. Large monuments like Newgrange in Ireland and Stonehenge in England, are aligned to coincide with the rising and setting of the winter solstice sun. Many cultures’ traditions and festivals revolve around the themes of symbolic death and rebirth of the Sun and the defeat of darkness over evil. Often these traditions would commence on the eve of the winter solstice and carry on for several days or a few weeks. There is strong evidence to suggest that Christmas was placed around the winter solstice to benefit from both the themes and celebrations of these pagan observances. Many traditions included a time of fasting followed by an abundance of food and drink. But they also included quieter times of prayer, reflection, rest and doing good deeds.
In western culture we often observe life in terms of good or bad, right or wrong, productive or useless. Traditional far eastern culture looks at life and all that it encompasses in a more dualistic approach. The concepts of Yin and Yang, for example, describes how opposite natural forces are complementary and interdependent. Yang represents all things warm, full of light, the sun, active, positive. On the other hand, Yin represents things that are cooler, darker, negative, and passive. But also, a time of rejuvenation, growth, and nourishing. The natural world will swing back and forth like a pendulum of Yin and Yang. Midday and summer solstice are yang times while midnight and winter solstice are yin times.
Modern times often ignores the cycles of yin and yang. With our 24/7 mentality, somehow, we are led to believe that Yang time should be all the time. But without a balance of Yin your Yang will burn out. With all the stresses and obligations that have been manufactured during the Christmas season, it is no wonder that so many feel overwhelmed. The month of December is the most Yin time of the year. Embrace it. Encourage your yin by removing those excessive stresses which restrict rejuvenation. Nourish your yin by eating some hearty and healthy highquality foods such as soups and stews, surround yourself with those people you love, take time to reflect on the past year and debrief what went well and what you could improve, take time to sleep more and slow down.
Understanding the influence of and then following the natural cycles of the seasons, will help improve your well-being, body mind and spirit.
James DiGiuseppe is a local chiropractor with a busy family and wellness practice. For more health information or to contact Dr. DiGiuseppe visit: www.portarthurchiropractic.com