Just a few days, and for other countries a few weeks. That’s all it has taken for our world to be turned upside down and inside out. While key services are working flat out, most of the rest of us are at home. That can be a challenge. Like many, if not most, I must confess initially to having had a slight dread of being confined for any length of time. But I very quickly learnt that accepting instead of resisting was not only vital but could bring a great sense of peace – Yin soothing Yang.
Too much Yang requires Yin
The world has been fixated on the generation of power and wealth, whether financial or otherwise, for a very long time. This is an expression of Yang – outward movement and growth. Yin – the opposite – is just as necessary. Humanity cannot expand its activities and relentlessly seek to satisfy its desires forever. We know that if we exhaust our own body and don’t rest, we get sick. Humanity has pushed Nature, of which we are an integral part, too far and for too long, making her and us sick.
Restrictions are Yin
Some people think that Yang is strength whilst Yin is weak. Not so. Our very roots into the Earth are Yin. Foundations are the source of strength. (Try pushing over a good taiji player who is rooted.) Restrictions on our movement and social gathering are like medicine. Though we would rather not have them, we know they are necessary. Being confined to our homes for a while is like a compassionate lesson from Mother Earth – learning to be at home on the planet responsibly. It’s time for her children to grow up.
Keeping healthy with Shibashi
Qigong can help keep the body in balance and a good set of Qigong movements is Shibashi. It reinvigorates and strengthens the body, supporting the immune system and very good for the lungs. Here is a free video originally prepared for our tai chi class but that can be followed fairly easily by anyone.
Can’t settle? Take a look at The Art of Not Doing .
Take care and stay safe.
