I
use this blog to talk about male and female behavior, individually, in
relationships, and globally, using the lens of
yin
and yang.
I invite commentary and hope you enjoy the insights I've collected about men
and women -- Mary Traina
The
words yin and
yang (pronounced yong as in gong)
have come to represent a part of what is mysterious and spiritual about the
East. From upscale ads in New Age magazines to sitcoms to casual
conversation, they are used to exemplify opposite qualities in any given
situation. She is yin to his
yang, they are as different as
yin and
yang, salt and sugar, hot and cold,
and so on.
In reality, they simply describe two qualities found in everywhere in the
world, from the behavior of molecules to the sun and the moon, and
everything in between. They also represent male (yang)
energy, and female (yin) energy.
A basic rule regarding the relationship of
yin and
yang is:
YANG protects
YIN
YIN nurtures
YANG
Together they form a complete whole.
Everyone has a mix of
yin and
yang qualities.
Men are essentially more
yang – in body and temperament and behavior. Women are essentially
more yin. But each of us has some of
the other energy. And in each of us, our
yang protects our yin.
Since men have more
yang energy, they tend to be more
aggressive and are apt to see a need to label situations as threatening or
requiring ‘handling.’ Their predominant
yang makes them protective of what they might perceive as
yin -- or something or someone
needing protection. This stepping up to the plate is inherent in
yang energy. It is a very necessary
and very powerful force. And though it can be increased or repressed, or
perverted in some way, especially by the rules of different cultures and
society, it is very important for women to understand that it is not
unnatural for men to feel this way. Once I saw this clearly, I was able to
accept that characteristic in men, and even celebrate it.
Women, on the other hand, while able to marshal aggression, would rather
defuse a situation and keep things running smoothly. Underneath all the
socialized rhetoric that women are less aggressive is the very real positive
force of preservation of life. It is this very vital and very
yin quality which allows women to
step back from confrontation and seek a gentler (some might say smarter) way
out where no-one gets hurt. This should never be mistaken for weakness. It
would be easy to see women as physically less aggressive and therefore less
able to intimidate or set limitations. It is our strength and our power that
we see life and alternatives in situations where men see restricted options
and the need for destruction. There is a time and a place for each energy.
Within our bodies, between individual people, within our families, and in
the world at large, we need both male and female qualities in order to
survive. And it is vitally important for me to understand and accept the
power of women and celebrate it.
I hope you can use this basic understanding of male and female energies and
enjoy my stories and commentary on how yin
and yang shape our behavior
and relationships.
And maybe, if I have been successful, You will realize what a lot of the
‘small stuff’ means and that it is okay, even vital, to be different; that
we each have our own ‘mission’ to fulfill, our own energy that propels us
through our lives in ways that are personal and unique, and above all, as
nature intended, which is not such a bad thing at all.
