Ancient Chinese traditions teach that everything in existence has two opposing yet complimentary forces called yin and yang. These forces are in a constant dance with each other, creating balance and harmony in all things. Yang energy is light, active, outward-focused, rational and male, while yin energy is dark, passive, inward-focused, receptive, emotional and female. When these two forces are in balance within and around us, we feel comfortable, secure, and at peace. When one energy dominates an aspect of our lives, however, we feel out-of-sorts, restless and discontented.

Our modern culture places a lot of value on yang energy—focusing outside of ourselves, being active and on-the-go, and getting things done. Yin energy tends to be looked on as a weak, less desired force—who has time to slow down, be quiet, and not get anything done?! As women, though, we are predominantly yin energy. Yet over the years, we have learned to ignore and deny these slow, inner-focused, quiet, feminine forces in favour of the more goal-directed, rational, masculine energies. This is why so many women find it difficult to slow down and just “be” with their kids—we always feel the need to be doing something. With too much yang, we have shifted out of balance with the natural forces that direct us and many women are feeling the lack of peace and contentment in their lives as a result.

So, just how do we add some yin to our yang?! We do it slowly and gradually by adding some slower, softer, quiet, inner-directed activity into our lives. Here are five ideas to get you started:

1. Find quiet time. Most of us are overscheduled and hurried these days. Adding some yin to our lives requires finding time and space to be quiet, still and inward-focused. Having a bath, taking a nap, meditating, praying, or taking a quiet walk in nature are just a few ways we can disconnect from the outer world and reconnect with our inner world of feelings and experiences. 

2. Start a journal. Yin energy is emotional and feeling-centred, so reflecting and writing in a journal is a wonderful way to begin reconnecting with how you feel. I like to suggest going to your local bookstore or gift store and buying yourself a beautiful journal—something that inspires you and that you’ll love to write your innermost feelings in.

3. Feng shui your home. Does your home contribute to feelings of comfort, contentment and peace or does it reflect chaos, clutter and disharmony? Do you have a space for yourself that contributes to yin energy? The ancient Chinese art of feng shui (pronounced “fun shway”) focuses on the balance and flow of energy in your environment. There are many workshops, services and resources available to help you learn more about feng shui and how you can apply it to achieve more balance and harmony in your life.

4. Nourish your senses. Because yin is a receptive energy, surrounding yourself with stimuli that nourish your senses will go a long way in restoring the balance of yin and yang. Stimuli with yin energy include music with soothing sounds of nature—especially water—and relaxing classical music; soft, sweet scents such as lavender and vanilla; warm, scented bubble baths, massage or pedicures are all excellent ways to boost yin energy.

5. Do something creative. Any creative, artistic endeavour will do wonders for boosting feminine, yin energy. Painting, woodworking, scrap booking, gardening, cooking, writing, decorating, knitting, photography, flower-arranging—there are countless ways to get creative. The key is to find something that resonates with you and to focus on the process—don’t set a timeline for yourself and don’t worry about the outcome, just create for the pure yin of it.