There is a theme alive at the moment, which is the importance of connecting with our feminine energies (whatever your gender) and honouring our need for these yin qualities in sufficient quantities.

This is not a temporary necessity, but rather a shift into a different way of being and meeting the world. We can only be truly present when we honour these yin principles of the sacred feminine.

In a very yin way, these are all interconnected and flow one into the other…

SPACE

Reclaiming your space can mean either your personal space (think boundaries) or the time you allocate to yourself on a daily or weekly basis, or both.

Do you give yourself sufficient time in your own schedule?

Do you prioritise yourself and your needs?

Perhaps there are too many demands on your time, or certain demands which drain your energy, leave you feeling off-centre or don’t feel like they align with your values. These might be clues to reset your boundaries, say ‘No’ to what you don’t want and create more balance with what makes you feel good and restores your energy.

STILLNESS

Stillness is a very yin principle. Imagine a beautiful lake, its surface completely smooth, and a bright, clear blue sky above with only a few clouds moving very slowly. Savour the sense of peace and tranquility.

Stillness is reclaiming space in your mind, and is the essence of peace.

How often does your mind become still?

Cultivating stillness is an art and an ongoing practice, but even if you don’t find stillness every time, it is vitally important to make space for stillness to enter. Allocate time (make space!) to turn off distractions, TV and screens. Meditation, breathing practices and being in nature can all give rise to stillness - essential for good mental health.

BEING

The yin principle is of being, rather than doing. Unfortunately in Western culture there is an emphasis on doing and activity, and being has been pushed to the side, even scorned.

Well, I say let’s reclaim it - let’s reclaim our being-ness!

This includes spending time without any other agenda, simply resting. It could be napping, dozing, sitting in the sunshine. It could be pottering in the garden or taking a gentle stroll in nature. It could be structured, such as a yin or restorative yoga class, or yoga nidra practice. It could be listening to a piece of music and being at one with the musicality and emotion.

Being is also about reclaiming your body as a safe and comforting place for your spirit to inhabit. This may take time to work through the different layers (of cultural expectations, how you were brought up, feeling repressed emotions etc.) to come to a place of peace in the body - of embodying peace, space and being-ness. With practice, you find a new place of presence and stillness in your physical body.

GENTLENESS

Though the feminine is not always gentle, gentleness is certainly a guiding yin principle. To flow softly, to nurture and comfort, to connect with the hearts of others is to know gentleness.

Adopt an attitude of gentleness, firstly towards yourself and then naturally it will flow into your life. Soften your judgements of yourself. Respect your needs, limitations and boundaries. Offer yourself nurturing practices that enhance your sense of stillness and peaceful being-ness.

NATURE

Take a note from nature to guide you in reclaiming your sacred feminine. Streams, rivers and bodies of water are very yin, so follow a river path, sit by a lake or float in the ocean.

Plants and flowers also offer us reminders of their yin-enhancing properties. You might use Bach flower (or other flower) remedies to support your stage of growth, spend time gardening or have an aromatherapy massage to combine the benefits of space, stillness, gentleness and nurturing your body.

Reclaim your sacred feminine in person or by Skype with bryony@creativesoultherapies.com

For massage in Oxfordshire visit www.oxfordwellwoman.co.uk (women only)