ABOUT
woven yin
wo·ven
a d j e c t i v e
describes something that is formed by interlacing
various elements that have come together to compose a connected whole
What an individual thinks, how they express themselves and communicate with the world around them, and what actions they take all weave the fabric of their life and existence. Not only does it affect them individually, but it has an impact on other people, our Earth, and her creatures as well.
Various philosophies, schools of thought, religions, and cultures have their own unique ideas of what they consider to be morally superior, in harmony with nature, or in alignment with their perception of God. In order for this to be achieved, however, specific actions need to be taken.
In the Shangpa Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhist Tantra, the word Tantra means “weaving light with sound and form.” The essence of this Tantric lineage involves practices that simultaneously connect visualization and bodily movements with the vibration of sound. The purpose of the practices taught in Tibetan Buddhist Tantra is to free oneself and all other beings from suffering.
Whether we are aware of it or not, all beings are perpetually weaving the fabric of reality. At any moment, however, the fabric that an individual is weaving into existence can change in quality. We can make the choice to unravel how our minds and bodies have been conditioned by weaving a new quality of life into existence through our words, speech, and actions. However, we can usually only do this safely when we are privileged; in other words, have most of our basic human needs met. When someone has the ability to transcend and transform their life in this way, it is not only a privilege, but a sacred responsibility and a call to be of service to the health and well-being of all.
yin
the forces in the universe associated with voidness, water, earth, the moon, stillness, darkness, coldness, softness, rest, femininity, and slow movement
produces, transforms, regulates and stores vitality, sustains life
n o u n
Taoist philosophy, and various Eastern schools of thought, suggests all that exists is connected and interdependent. Although the individual parts may be different from one another, they are balanced and in harmony as a whole. This idea of oneness is understood and brought to life through the ability to observe nature’s elements rhythmically flowing, dissolving, and moving through, around, and with one another. Yin and Yang are neither superior nor inferior to one another, rather, they are two distinct yet inseparable parts.
From both my observations and lived experiences, I have been led to believe that there is a deficiency of Yin qualities and principles throughout the world, especially in the West, due to white-supremacist capitalist patriarchy and colonization. This imbalance of Yin and Yang has contributed to high levels of distress and chaos in both our internal and external worlds from what we value, to how we view ourselves, feel in our bodies, relate to other human beings, and treat our Earth and her creatures.