Life is about balance. The atom, which is the fundamental building block of all matter, always strives towards a balance of positive (proton) and negative (electron) charges. If it cannot maintain balance within its own structure, it forms clusters that maintain balance with other atoms and molecules are formed. The point being, that even at the most fundamental level, the universe seeks to maintain balance.

Nature’s endless dance is all about maintaining balance in the natural ecosystem and in the species present on the planet.

Why should humans be exempt from this grand cosmic interplay?

Of course, we are not, but we do let ourselves get further out of balance than is healthy at times. In these instances, we would be wise to bring ourselves back into harmony by identifying those areas, which are becoming polarized.

According to Taoist philosophy, the universe was created as a result of the combination of creative yang energy and receptive yin energy, the two building blocks of energy. Yin and yang are two sides of the same coin; one can’t exist without the other. We, humans, have a right hand and a left hand; a right leg and a left leg, both sides are needed for balance.

The yin yang energy is always striving for balance. Too much yang results in rushing active energy, too much yin results in passive stagnation. Each of us is made up of both yin and yang energy, also known as masculine and feminine energy. The left and right hemispheres of the brain are another way yin and yang energy is expressed in each of us. The right hemisphere is the feminine yin side, which gives us intuitive and abstract insights. The left hemisphere is the masculine yang energy, which controls analytical and logical reasoning. It’s easy to think yin and yang energy as female and male, respectively.

However, yin and yang energy show up in many other ways. While men usually do have more yang energy and women have more yin energy this is not always the case. Gender and sexuality are only one facet through which yin and yang are expressed through people. Other ways are: intuitive – rational; soft- strong;  introvert-extrovert; soft- strong; calm-excited. If striking a balance of yin and yang energy is not achieved, then we have disharmony, which can lead to anxiety, lack of focus, worries about the future, depression, stress, and over or underweight, etc.

Stress and illness are nature’s way of telling you that you’re out of balance. The cure is simple. Balance can be re-established by receiving what was given in excess. Take the time to nourish yourself, to nurture yourself.

There are many ways to find your ways back to balance, below are some suggestions:

1. Reach out to nature – take a walk or a hike and absorb the chi of nature into yourself with every breath you take.
2. Nutrition – look for foods that are fresh or organic. Avoid anything with a label because the chi has been processed out.
3. Water –Water will rehydrate you and help flush out any toxins.
4. Meditation – find a time each day to quiet your mind.
5. Bodywork – energy modalities like acupuncture and reiki will help to release the physical manifestations of stress and move your chi energetically through all the meridians lines in your body.
6. Tai Chi or yoga – movements help to balance body, mind, and spirit so that you will be able to recognize disharmony before it gets out of hand.

Have any Feng Shui questions? Feel free to contact me at michelle@michellecromer.com and sign up for your Power Color or visit me on Facebook at Michelle Cromer Feng Shui.