Balance Yin and Yang

Take a walk through your workplace (or home) and note the energetic feelings you sense from different areas. Some areas may feel intense and busy, while others may seem quiet and comforting. These latter areas we call Yin in comparison to the former, which would be Yang.

Yin and Yang describe relationships of opposing, yet complementary, energies. Other Yin qualities might include dark, cool, empty, spacious, interior, receptive, small, low and moist. By contrast, light, hot, full, congested, exterior, active, large, high and dry, all describe more Yang qualities.

Yang areas tend to be more productive, stimulating and engaging, while Yin areas might incline toward conserving or resting, nourishing or introspection. Notice whether the space overall has a predominant Yin or Yang character or whether the two aspects seem to be in relative balance.

Where there is an imbalance in a particular room or space, a simple remedy is to add and subtract Yin or Yang elements until more harmony is felt. If the walls are painted a cool color (yin), choosing furniture of a warmer color will help. If the furniture is sharp and straight-sided, bringing in plush cushions, thick rugs and simple tapestries will soften the space. By nature, Yin and Yang attract one another, seeking completeness. The areas that tend to feel good and nurture you will usually have equal measure of both.