The Summer Solstice is a jubilant display of yang energy as the sun has reached its zenith, marking the beginning of summer and hotter days.
YinYang is a Taoist understanding of the relationship between polarities which are complementary and interdependent parts of a whole. The concepts of night and day, hot and cold, happiness and sadness, winter and summer, can only exist in relation to one another and change must occur for one or the other to manifest. This is encapsulated in the Yin/Yang symbol, as the Yin becomes greater, it then becomes Yang, as Yang becomes greater, it then becomes Yin, visually demonstrating the continual dance between the two and their coexisting nature.
21st June 2023 will be the longest day of the year and the day of maximum sunlight in the northern hemisphere. We are now entering the season of summer, nature’s expression of Yang energy filling all life with light, expansion, vitality, and growth. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Summer Solstice is the day of maximum yang and a great time to harness the gifts of yang energy:
- Heat
- Logic
- Movement / speed
- Socialising / talking / adventurousness
- Activity / productivity / vigour / energetic / action / ambition / courage
- Stimulation
As we know, health and wellbeing are achieved through finding the balance between these polarities (Yin/Yang), so while this solstice yang energy will compel us to be more active, social, and more extraverted, we should also be mindful about finding its opposite to achieve and maintain balance. So, amidst our solstice activities we may want to make room for:
- Yoga
- Qigong
- Tai Chi
- Meditation
- Silent, slow walks
- Mindfulness
- Journaling
- Rest, reflection, relax, replenish
- Sleep
However you choose to spent your solstice, have a happy one.
Happy Solstice!