The Science of Yin-Yang
At the time of writing this article, I have just received the news that SH 25 is greatly compromised between Hikuai and Whangamatā. With the section of SH 25A that has already completely collapsed, this news brings more changes that are beyond my control. Hopefully by the time you read this, the weather has improved and so have the roads.
However, the prospect that our part of the world will be closed off at times with slips and slides over the coming years is all so real. The stormy summer brought all of us in the Coromandel a great deal of change and uncertainty.
In the light of these dramatic changes, one can turn to the ancient philosophy of Yin-Yang to seek fortitude and clarity about how to deal with changes.
The Science of Yin-Yang
The Science of Yin-Yang is so simple, yet so deep that one can spend a lifetime contemplating it and still find nuances. At its core, Yin-Yang has 4 key principles:
1. Opposition
Light-Dark, Up-Down, Day-Night, etc. depend on the contrasting nature of each other. We can only know that light exists because of darkness.
The usual great Coromandel summer (YANG) is thus contrasted by an occasional season of exceptionally wet weather … and road closures (YIN).
2. Interdependence
Although opposing, Yin-Yang are mutually dependent. We only know how nice the Coromandel is because we are experiencing an exceptionally bad season. It will make us enjoy the sun and the good days a whole lot more.
3. Mutual consumption
The current ‘bad’ situation hopefully will lead to better roads, new business opportunities and more clarity on how to better our communities and infrastructure to cope with the ever-changing climate. If this challenge is met with wisdom and patience, good things will follow in the long run.
4. Inter-transformation
All change is dictated by two mechanisms: time & causes/conditions. The times of bad weather, slow business and road closures will pass, with the coming change dependent on the causes and conditions established individually and as a collective community. This is a time to excel in strength, kindness and patience.
The Art of Yin-Yang
The Art aspect of Yin-Yang ultimately boils down to the balance between our mind and body. For each and every one of us, our entire existence is only experienced through the vehicle of our body, which also includes our senses, mind, emotions and soul. A balanced and at-ease state between physical body and internal awareness is the art of life.
There are many ways to cultivate this internal Yin-Yang balance. The first is to become aware of its existence, the fact that we must cultivate both our mind and body,
We can fine tune this balance with a reasonable seasonal diet, regular movement, quality rest, good relations with friends and family, not overworking/stressing, having meaningful ways to express ourselves and contributing to the community.
Happy cultivation!
Words by Henri Lebedev
Art by Kary Luo
