What Are Yin and Yang?
These forces are complementary and present in all phenomena.
In some situations, one force might be more dominant.
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However, this balance may shift depending on what is needed at the given moment.
Instead, they can be thought of as balancing energies that complement one another.
It is rooted in three interrelated principles:
While these forces oppose one another, they coexist in harmony.
They are both equal and dependent upon one another.
Such beliefs play a central role in Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucianist philosophies.
This stresses not only the importance of equilibrium but also the inherent interconnectedness of all things.
Consider the following examples from Eastern philosophies:
Theholistic approach to psychologyemphasizes looking at mental health as a whole.
The idea of yin and yang is something that can help inform our approach to health and wellness.
Interestingly, researchers have found that people from cultures with dialectical worldviews tend to report lower levels ofsubjective well-being.
People from Western cultures are more likely to downplay or deny their own weaknesses or dissatisfaction.
Research also indicates that yin and yang thinking may contribute to greater coping flexibility.
Sometimes one will be more dominant than the other, but can only exist in relation to the other.
When the harmony between the two is disrupted, disturbances can emerge.
In terms of yin and yang, acceptance can be thought of as yin.
It involves recognizing that there are things that cannot be changed.
Acceptanceencourages us to recognize what cannot be changed and focus on living in the moment.
In doing so, we are less likely to be overwhelmed by feelings of sadness or anxiety.
However, practicing acceptance should be balanced against action.
This involves looking for what it’s possible for you to do that might make a situation better.
Recognize that feelings are not necessarily facts.
Accepting allemotions(both positive and negative) can help you to feel more validated.
It can also improve your ability to regulate intense feelings more effectively.
you’ve got the option to improve emotional acceptance by labeling your emotions.
Research has found that identifying and labeling emotions can help reduce their intensity.
This can improve balance in your life and reduce the emotional ups and downs you might experience.
Cross-cultural research has found that people from North America tend to increase positive emotions by minimizing negative emotions.
Balance Conflict and Harmony
Yin and yang can also correspond to harmony and conflict in your life.
Conflict is an inevitable part of life.
It is bound to emerge when your own goals, wants, or needs are incompatible with someone elses.
When conflict does occur, look for ways to balance it with harmony.
According to some Eastern philosophies tempering or eliminating these desires is the key to achieving good mental health.
This doesn’t have to mean denying yourself the things you desire in life.
Instead, it means striking a balance between your wants and needs.
Strategies that can be helpful in this regard include practicinggratitudeand focusing on helping others.
Balance Autonomy With Connection
Yin and yang also stress the importance of staying connected to others.
A yin and yang approach to mental health also involves finding a balance between individual and collective needs.
Western and Eastern definitions of mental health are marked by differences in cultural views of the self.
Instead, the focus is on achieving a balance to get to maintain contentment.
To illustrate this point, researchers asked college Chinese college students what happiness meant to them.
This idea suggests that balance is the key to well-being.
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In J Spencer-Rodgers & K Peng (Eds.
),The Psychological and Cultural Foundations of East Asian Cognition: Contradiction, Change, and Holism.
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Ng HKY, Chen SX.How does social complexity facilitate coping flexibility?
The mediating role of dialectical thinking.Anxiety, Stress, & Coping.
