Balance

Flowing on from last month’s theme of Cosy + Serene, we learned the importance of slowing down + syncing ourselves with the natural world. We only have to look to nature to see + feel how the world is slowing down—a world of which we are an integral part. However, we are also part of the modern world. Especially this time of year, the modern world is doing the opposite of the natural world, which is currently embodying a ‘yin’ energy. Instead, it’s speeding up as we prepare for festive celebrations, socialise more, organise events, + tackle additional tasks. While this is a beautiful time of year, it can also heighten anxiety as it ramps up into a ‘yang’ energy.

We can use this awareness to create better balance so that we don’t experience burnout, exhaustion, stress, + anxiety. Instead, we can be mindful of our time + energy flow, allowing us to be present + enjoy the connections + beauty that this season brings.

How? Through energy management, awareness, + understanding, as well as cultivating the balance of yin + yang energy.

In this video, I’m going to share yoga-inspired lifestyle tips to help you find balance during this time of year. We will cover an introduction to what balance is, exploring the concepts + importance of yin + yang energy; understanding our own stress + anxiety + identifying what triggers them; and exploring yoga-inspired strategies that empower you to take responsibility for your well-being, enabling you to flow through the end of 2024 feeling inspired, calm, + present.

What is Yang + Yin Energy?

Yin and yang energy represents the dual forces that exist in nature, embodying the idea that opposites are interconnected + interdependent. In the context of our theme of balance, understanding these energies can be particularly helpful during the festive season.

Yin Energy is often associated with qualities such as calmness, introspection, receptivity, + nourishment. It embodies the essence of slowing down, reflecting the natural world as it transitions into a time of rest. During this season, embracing yin energy encourages us to prioritise self-care, mindfulness, + relaxation. It reminds us to find moments of stillness amidst the busyness, allowing us to recharge + reconnect with ourselves.

Yang Energy, on the other hand, is characterised by activity, dynamism, + outward expression. It embodies the excitement of the festive season—social gatherings, celebrations, + the myriad of tasks that come with holiday preparations. While yang energy can inspire joy + motivation, too much of it can lead to overwhelm, stress, + burnout.

Incorporating both yin + yang energy into our lives is essential for creating balance. By cultivating moments of yin—through practices like meditation, restorative yoga, + quiet reflection—we can counterbalance the heightened yang energy that comes with the festivities. This awareness allows us to navigate this busy time with grace, ensuring we remain calm, present, + engaged without sacrificing our well-being.

Understanding Our Stress, Anxiety + Triggers

Practicing yoga can profoundly enhance our understanding of ourselves through the practice of svadhyaya (self-study). This journey allows us to connect more deeply with the sensations in our bodies and gain insights into our mental states by observing our thoughts, reactions, + behaviours.

The practice of svadhyaya is not only about awareness but also about reflection. We can utilise this reflective practice to remind ourselves of how we felt last year—what caused us stress + anxiety, what triggered us—and use that knowledge to better prepare for this year.

Additionally, svadhyaya can help us cultivate moments of joy. Reflecting on the activities we cherished during the festive season ensures they remain part of Winter 2024. Remember, you are worthy of a life filled with happiness + joy, but it’s something we need to actively create. This involves organising activities, reaching out to friends, + scheduling events.

I recommend journaling about the things that trigger your stress + anxiety, those that make you feel overwhelmed. After that, take time to write about the triggers that bring you happiness + joy.

Energy Management

In yoga, there is a practice known as brahmacharya, which focuses on energy management. One of my favourite practices is working with a mandala. The term 'mandala' translates to 'universe,' + we can use a mandala to manage our energy within our own universe. I explain this concept + practice in this month’s Inspired Club philosophy practice.

Boundaries

Establish + affirm what you are available for + what you’re not. This can be informed by your reflections on your triggers. You can use this knowledge to establish boundaries that protect your energy. Remember, your energy is your responsibility.

Consider the importance of saying no, avoiding over-scheduling, + managing commitments. Schedule time to slow down, rest, + simply be. Can you find a balance of yin + yang within your diary + schedule?

Prioritisation

Set intentions for what truly matters during the holidays. If you wrote a priority list last year, what would it have looked like? Did it reflect your true intentions? Perhaps what was most important to you was written at the bottom of the list. That doesn’t have to be your reality this year.

Self-Care

You cannot give what you don’t have. Let me say it again: you cannot give what you don’t have. We do not have an endless power supply. Self-care is essential. It isn’t just bubble baths + face masks (though those are lovely too!); self-care encompasses good sleep hygiene, nourishing your body with healthy foods, spending time outdoors, moving your body, soothing our nervous system, meditating, + resting. Your life experience—this time of year + beyond—will feel completely different.

Vibrations from the Modern World

We are constantly absorbing energy + vibrations, both intentionally + unintentionally. Being aware that many people around us may feel stressed, anxious, + overwhelmed can help us protect our own energy, ensuring we don’t mistake their feelings for our own while also extending compassion to others.

Mindfulness

We have a choice in how we respond, behave, + show up. Take decorating the Christmas tree, for example. You can approach it with a sense of stress, rushing to complete the task, or you can be present in the experience, recognising that you GET to do it rather than feeling you HAVE to do it. Schedule some time so you’re not rushed; create a playlist, light some candles, + prepare some festive snacks with a mocktail or cocktail. It is a completely different experience when approached with intention.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about practicing living a live a yoga-inspired life over on the Inspired Club.