"As you breathe in, cherish yourself. As you breath out, cherish all beings." – Dalai Lama
Yin & Yang
Yin and Yang are at the foundation of Feng Shui. It has to do with the recognition that the universe is made up of opposite forces of energy which cannot exist without each other. They are finely balanced and, like polar sides of a magnet, are innately attracted to each other. The Yin/Yang symbol depicts two fish gliding together in perfect balance. Each is carrying components of the other; the black fish with the white eye and the white fish with the black eye. They swim together in perfect harmony creating a circle, the most ancient symbol depicting wholeness. By learning to work with the Yin and Yang components in our homes, we create supportive spaces that bring our home into balance, setting up a template that also brings our lives into balance.
In most cases you balance yin and yang naturally and instinctively in your home: you add soft seat cushions to hard wooden chairs; if the bathwater gets too hot, you turn on the cold; you paint one wall a darker accent color to keep an all-white room from looking too bland. That’s because when these two equal and opposite forces are in balance in our interior surroundings, you feel comfortable, secure, and at peace. Each aspect of your life has yin and yang attributes that you need to balance.
In terms of the Feng Shui Elements, yin is represented by the color black, which is the Water Element, and the passive energy of silence, darkness, and slow, relaxed movements. This is the predominant energy at night when you go to sleep, or when you need to relax and replenish your energies, so it is often appropriate for bedrooms.
Yang is represented by the color white, which is the Metal Element. It is the strong energy characterized by vibrant sounds and colors, bright lights, and upward moving energy. In Feng Shui, you use yang energy in decorating a family room or a busy office.
In most cases you balance yin and yang naturally and instinctively in your home: you add soft seat cushions to hard wooden chairs; if the bathwater gets too hot, you turn on the cold; you paint one wall a darker accent color to keep an all-white room from looking too bland. That’s because when these two equal and opposite forces are in balance in our interior surroundings, you feel comfortable, secure, and at peace. Each aspect of your life has yin and yang attributes that you need to balance.
In terms of the Feng Shui Elements, yin is represented by the color black, which is the Water Element, and the passive energy of silence, darkness, and slow, relaxed movements. This is the predominant energy at night when you go to sleep, or when you need to relax and replenish your energies, so it is often appropriate for bedrooms.
Yang is represented by the color white, which is the Metal Element. It is the strong energy characterized by vibrant sounds and colors, bright lights, and upward moving energy. In Feng Shui, you use yang energy in decorating a family room or a busy office.
Adjusting Yin and Yang
If the energy in your home or office just doesn’t feel right, chances are good it is caused by a problem with the yin-yang balance. Fortunately, there are simple ways to add the attributes of yin and yang and restore balance.
If you want to create a space that is more relaxed and focused, add:
curves and flowing shapes
dark colors
upholstered furniture
shades on the windows
rugs on the floors
rooms with lots of furniture
If it is a restful room we would want to incorporate more Yin features.
If you want to create a space full of energy and excitement, add:
straight lines and angular shapes
light and bright colors
furniture made from wood, glass, or stone
track lighting and bright lights
wood blinds
floors made from wood, marble, tile
rooms with few pieces of furniture
In active spaces, we would want more Yang features. The key, however, is to make sure we always have some of both qualities and not an over abundance of either.
In Feng Shui, having a balance of both yin and yang in your home and office will create the positive energy you need to attract wealth, harmony, and love into your life.
If the energy in your home or office just doesn’t feel right, chances are good it is caused by a problem with the yin-yang balance. Fortunately, there are simple ways to add the attributes of yin and yang and restore balance.
If you want to create a space that is more relaxed and focused, add:
curves and flowing shapes
dark colors
upholstered furniture
shades on the windows
rugs on the floors
rooms with lots of furniture
If it is a restful room we would want to incorporate more Yin features.
If you want to create a space full of energy and excitement, add:
straight lines and angular shapes
light and bright colors
furniture made from wood, glass, or stone
track lighting and bright lights
wood blinds
floors made from wood, marble, tile
rooms with few pieces of furniture
In active spaces, we would want more Yang features. The key, however, is to make sure we always have some of both qualities and not an over abundance of either.
In Feng Shui, having a balance of both yin and yang in your home and office will create the positive energy you need to attract wealth, harmony, and love into your life.
|
|
|
|