Yin and Yang
We can perceive Yin and Yyang as two basic and opposite qualities, two basic characteristics of qi energy and every object or event in nature. Yang is an active principle, while Yin is a passive one. They never occur in pure form. Each object or action contains both forces, depending on the relationship between them. Whether an object has a Yin or Yang character also depends on what we compare them to, so it is a relative concept.
Neither of the characteristics is good or bad, both are necessary and have their meaning. Just as nature has regulatory mechanisms that try to rebalance these two principles when out of the balance, so in our space we try to balance them.
Basic characteristics
Yang - Yin
Sun - Moon
light - dark
day - night
man - woman
active - passive
movement - peace
hard - soft
outside - inside
tall - short
Dynamic balance
The balance between yin and yang is dynamic, constantly changing, it is not possible to achieve a lasting balance, nor would it make sense.
We can see it best at the alternation of day and night - at night there is complete darkness, cold - maximum yin energy, gradually passes into the morning, at lunch there is maximum yang energy, the greatest light and heat, which gradually passes again into the evening twilight until the next night .
What would be the point if it was still twilight and moderately warm?
There are several cycles, in addition to the alternation of day and night, the seasons also alternate, during which the days in winter are shorter than nights, and in summer it is the other way around. In winter, yin energy predominates, winter days are cold compared to summer - cold, they have less light. Here you can see that yin and yang are relative terms, depending on what we compare. Winter day is yang compared to winter night, but the same winter day is different compared to summer day.
Even during our lives, different cycles alternate. The shortest is daily - during the day we are active, at night mostly passive. We also have different periods during our lives - in our youth we are mostly more active with a predominance of yang energy, in old age external activities decrease and we are focused inwards, so yin energy predominates.
Use of the principle of Yin and Yang in the interior
Excess of one or the other principle causes imbalance and disrupts harmony, disturbs us and has a negative impact on people.
Excessive cold and excessive heat, too dark or too crowded space, too colorful or monotonously gloomy, also crowded or completely empty space, these are all examples of imbalance, which in turn disturbs our internal balance, we do not feel comfortable in such a space.
On the other hand, as in nature and in our home, it does not make sense to try to create a completely balanced relationship between yin and yang - there are rooms in which we want to rest, and it is okay for yin energy to prevail there (to some extent, beware of stagnation) , and yang predominates in the kitchen or living room.
The feeling for peace is important here, pay attention to your feelings.
How to balance Yin and Yang in space?
What to do if you find an abundance of one quality or another in your home? Completely logically complete the missing quality :-). For example, in a room where large windows face south, light shiny tiles and a white leather sofa, all yang qualities, you can add a light-reducing curtain, a fluffy soft rug, a pillow made of soft, darker fabric, and so on. Conversely, in a dark room crowded with ruffles and pillows, consider a lot of stacked things and create a freer space, add light, lighter colors and the like.
This kitchen contains almost exclusively yang elements - white color, shiny surfaces, glass and metal, square shapes. White is generally suitable for the kitchen, it is dominant here without anything mitigating its effect.
Natural wood is counterbalanced by shiny light tiles, the high mass of cabinets is balanced by the free space in the middle.
This kitchen is just as shiny white, but here the effect of yin and yang elements is more balanced. The darker, unevenly colored screen and natural wood counterbalance the shiny, bright surface.
Other elements - fabrics, soft pillows, ruffles, rugged wooden doors on the line and the like, are balanced by plenty of light and free space. Although the elements are mostly different, this area will be a pleasant place to relax.
Understanding yin and yang is needed through feelings, with logic and explanation it's harder. Go through your apartment and perceive which elements it contains more than it affects you, and in case of imbalance also what you could do about it.
This lesson was perhaps a little more theoretical and abstract, yet understanding the balance of yin and yang is important for creating a harmonious environment in your home. The next lesson will again be more practical and specific, we will go through the important rooms in the apartment.