What Feeds Your Gray

BY LORI BROTHERS

Imagine holding the Yin-Yang in your hands as a symbolic directive for creating and managing your intentions. When you do this, you hold life-enhancing gold. For the purposes of finding balance, holding the symbol of complementary opposites is wise.

Recently, many of us have been stuck inside, sheltering in place, when we are yearning for outside. Many are feeling down instead of up, others are consumed by the unknown which wears on hope, instead of living with the certainty that the known will emerge anew. We all can yo-yo between extremes. Some feel good, some feel bad -- and all feelings in between are valid within the full scope of Yin-Yang.

Understanding the theory behind these united opposites, Yin-Yang emanates black and white to represent extremes in all things, and also holds everything in between. These extremes are dependent on each other. Within the white there is the black dot, and within the black there is the white dot. The expression of the dot holds powerful truth that these counterparts are constantly transforming each other. Hot grows cold, and cold warms. Day and night cycle into each other – you can’t have one without the other.

In the Yin-Yang model, Yin (the black) contains a seed of Yang (the white dot). Therefore, Yin can transform into Yang under certain conditions. The conditions for balance are inherent. But, the relationship goes beyond balance to one of harmony. Two things balanced are equal but still separate. In a relationship of harmony, two energies blend into wholeness. The two are perfectly embodied. This is signified by the swirl action in the Yin-Yang symbol.

The way the black and white wrap around each other implies a fluid continuous movement. A constant interplay, which births the new in the ever-changing formula of life circumstances. This movement gives us unique life experiences. Contrary forces may be complementary, interdependent or interconnected. The intrigue is how they may give rise to each other as they interrelate to one another.

This ever-changing relationship between the two poles is responsible for the constant flux of the universe, and life. When we embrace how opposites are two complementary forces creating contrast, we offer the mind and emotions the gold to live well in relationship to life. Most often we live in shades of gray of our own making. What is your black -- where is your white expressing, as you live within your unique experience of gray. More importantly, what feeds your gray? The gold is in this answer. Is it coming in more from the white or from the black today?

In the case of the compass, polar opposites offer the vehicle to find direction: North and South, East and West. A compass is a navigational tool useful for steering the way through places where there are few landmarks. Interestingly, the phrase, “Box the compass” means to completely reverse one’s position or stance on something, such as an issue, belief, argument. In any position lies the opposite truth. Your truth depends on the vantage point of what is seen, and the amount of white and black in that gray.

Worry holds the kernel of hope in doubt. Hatred holds love. Joy lies hidden in sadness, waiting to be discovered. The magnetism of the compass pointing direction is the same compelling component that lends gravity to directional maxims about living our lives well. “Follow your instincts” and “Follow your heart.”

Are you one to run off in all directions, or can you harness your attention to set your true north. More than sentiment, these guidance systems represent measures to develop the right perspectives to traverse heart’s desires and fears alike. Instead of polarizing to a point of seeing fear as the enemy, you can create a relationship with every anxiety, phobia or negative out-picturing, as well as following every inkling, joy, hope and dream, through remembering the symbol of Yin-Yang. In all things rest their opposites and knowing this empowers.