Let the Transition from Yang to Yin Begin
By Dr. Mao Shing Ni

 
The months of July and August mark a transition in the natural world. In July, the sun is at its highest point in the sky, and the days are long and hot. This is a time of maximum yang energy associated with activity, growth and expansion.
 
The yin/yang concept is a fundamental principle in Chinese philosophy. It refers to the two opposing but complementary forces that make up the universe. Yang energy is associated with light, activity and heat, while yin energy is associated with darkness, rest and cold.
 
The transition from July to August is when the yang energy of summer begins to give way to the yin energy of autumn. This is reflected in the changing seasons, as the days get shorter, and the nights get longer. It is also reflected in our bodies, as we may feel less energetic and more introspective.
 
This is a time to listen to our bodies, adjust to the changing energies in nature and give ourselves more rest. It is also a time to connect with our inner selves and explore our thoughts and feelings. This can be a time of great personal growth as we learn more about ourselves and what we want from life.
 
Similarly, the transition of yang to yin also reflects the shift in our lives from mid-life onwards. This is a time to be more thoughtful about our actions—evolving from adventures and explorations, to acceptance and simplicity.
 
Here are some tips for embracing the transition from yang to yin energy:
 
Get more rest and sleep
Contrary to popular belief that you need less sleep as you get older—it’s true that as one ages, you are less likely to sleep as long as when you were younger, but it doesn’t mean you need less sleep. In fact, you will require more rest and sleep to recover. Try Sleep Herbs, Sleep Essential Oil, and Sleep Meditation in the Sanctuary Sleep Set.
 
Rebalance your energy ledger
The truism in life is that when you spend more than you take in, you’ll end up with a deficit. In nature, from spring to mid-summer, the growth peaks and then ripens for harvest in preparation for the fallowing of the earth during long wintry months. Likewise, the first half of your life is characterized by growth and expansion, followed by the second half by conserving and consolidating as you increase inputs and decrease output.
 
Accumulate Yin and Cultivate Yang
The decline of Yang and increase in Yin signifies slowing activities in nature and redistribution of the essence—redeployed from the flowers and fruits back down to the roots. To optimize your health and longevity, it’s important to heed the cue from the universe and practice accumulating Yin while cultivating Yang. Practices like Dao-In Yoga is a gentle way of soaking up earth’s Yin energy to benefit your essence, and Harmony Tai Chi helps you harness the heavenly qi to strengthen the declining Yang.
 
In summary, the transition from July to August can be a time of great transformation if you make proper preparation for the coming phase by listening to your body and your inner self, embracing the rising yin energy, preserving your being like an evergreen keeping its leaves even in the lifelessness of winter and ultimately emerge refreshed and renewed.
 
Read  Evergreen Life, the latest book co-authored by my father OmNi and myself, where you will find spiritual practices and more “how-to” in restoring and maintaining your youthful vitality.