Unveiling the Esoteric: Energy, Yin - Yang, and the Quest for Balance

Introduction

Several years ago, I embarked on a writing journey with Breaking Muscle, driven by a clear agenda. The editorial team, aiming to establish my credibility in the realm of strength training, suggested a strategic approach. They proposed that I initially focus on conventional training - related articles to build trust, before delving into the more mysterious, esoteric, and unconventional topics. Their advice was clear: "First, demonstrate your expertise in training, and then the audience will be more receptive to your fringe ideas."

I made an initial foray into these concepts with the article "What’s Daoism Got To Do With It?". This piece was a gentle introduction of some profound ideas to the community. Now, after a significant wait, the time has come to unfurl the flag of my more unorthodox perspectives. I will be sharing the essence of a substantial project I've been engaged in since conducting clinical research for my Medical Qigong doctorate over 13 years ago. What you are about to read is grounded in reality. While some elements may seem fantastical or whimsical, and you might suspect artistic license, rest assured, much of what I present has been validated by studies, should you choose to explore.

This short discourse is the same narrative I use with patients who seek my help regarding medical concerns but have limited understanding of Qigong or Chinese medicine. However, you will view the world through the prism of strength, rather than healing, though you'll soon realize these two aspects are interconnected. So, sit back and open your mind to ideas you may never have encountered before.

Everything is Energy

The concept that "everything is energy" is likely familiar to many of you. Nevertheless, it is a fundamental tenet that must be embraced if we are to make progress in understanding the following concepts. High - school physics textbooks can serve as a reliable confirmation of this principle, should you require persuasion. The computer or phone screen you're gazing at, the shoes on your feet, the ocean's water, and the stars in the sky - all are manifestations of energy. In fact, you yourself are energy. Everything in the material world, non - material entities, and those in - between are energy, differentiated by tone, vibration, and quality. Recall the moment in "The Matrix" when Neo is revived by Trinity's kiss and, through "the one's" eyes, perceives the world as a magnificent, indescribable array of lights and colors.

Yin and Yang

We can gain a profound understanding of the nature of energy through the symbol of yin and yang - the two teardrop - shaped elements that represent duality, the cycle of life, and the expression of opposites. Yin and yang are established around the time of the first cellular division post - conception. Daoists believe that this moment is of utmost importance, perhaps even more so than the moment of fertilization. It is at this division that yin and yang take form, where a child's inherent qualities are introduced, and the "software" of the divine spirit begins its operation.

During gestation, the developing fetus exists in a state of near - perfect equilibrium, a kind of "nuclear nirvana," which can be disrupted only by excessive stressors endured by the mother. I like to envision that the yin and yang of the fetus are in perfect balance, and this perfection is maintained for approximately nine months.

Before delving deeper, it's essential to clarify the concept of yin and yang. Yin represents feminine, calm, cool, the shaded side of the mountain, and the moon. Yang, on the other hand, represents masculine, aggressive, hot, the sunlit side of the mountain, and the stars. These qualities are present within every atom of your body. When all atoms are combined to form an individual, and during the time spent in the mother's womb, a unique balance exists for each person. My balance may differ from yours, yet it is understood that some degree of balance is inherent in all of us. In a state of true balance, all bodily systems function optimally, and the miracle of life unfolds during those nine months. Then, the moment of birth arrives.

It’s a Boy

The announcement "It’s a Boy" is often followed by a piercing scream, a sound I am well - acquainted with, having heard it three times during the births of my children. Many assume this scream is a mere reflex, a way for the baby to announce its arrival. However, I propose an alternative theory. If everything is energy and energy cannot be destroyed, consider the birthing room, which has witnessed numerous cataclysmic events over time. The emotions and electrical charges from these events seep into the walls, creating a kind of emotional "petri dish."

Contemplate the emotions of the father (I can attest to being a bundle of nerves during each delivery, perhaps more so than my remarkable wife), the intensity of the doctor and hospital staff during the pushing stage, and the mother's complex mix of love, elation, pain, fear, joy, and terror. All these emotions permeate every corner of the room. The baby, having spent nine months in a glorious, balanced environment, suddenly inhales the chaotic energy of the room with its first breath. At this instant, the harmonious union of yin and yang is severely disrupted, and the individual spends the rest of their life in pursuit of balance.

Dis - Ease

Let's consider the concept of "dis - ease." According to the definition provided by the Alexa on my desk:

• As a noun, "ease" is defined as freedom from labor, pain, or physical discomfort, tranquil rest, and comfort.

• As a verb, it means to free from anxiety or care. By adding the prefix "dis -", we get "dis - ease." While I don't consider Alexa an infallible oracle, if we accept her definition as reasonably accurate, we notice something missing. She fails to mention aspects such as proper diet, consuming eight glasses of water a day, taking vitamins, avoiding living near a power plant, and using fluoride - free toothpaste.

Alexa's definition focuses on internal perceptions of life and the things we strive to achieve. Her understanding of the second half of "disease" pertains to calm, stillness, and satisfaction in the moment. Fortunately, my understanding of Chinese medical systems, which is based on emotions, virtues, and elements, aligns well with this exploration. When we associate specific elements with organs, we gain an elegant perspective on illness and its root causes.

If the opposite of "ease" is centered around anxiety, discomfort, pain, and physical annoyance, it becomes evident that many of our illnesses have their roots in emotional distress. When overwhelmed by intense emotions, especially one or two dominant ones, the yin - yang balance is thrown into disarray. The longer this imbalance persists, the more conducive the conditions become for the development of serious health issues. I'm simplifying this concept significantly; a comprehensive explanation of the correlations between organs, meridians, and emotions would paint a more detailed picture.

The Noise of Life

I use the term "noise" to encapsulate an idea I hope you'll grasp in this section. Even the most centered individuals face the challenges of modern life. Consider a monk - like person, someone who has dedicated decades to practices such as meditation and prayer (a topic we'll explore further in the third installment). If we place this person in downtown Los Angeles, equip them with a cell phone, a corporate job, a poor diet, a new relationship, bills to pay, and a knee problem, we'll witness the unraveling of their hard - earned inner peace.

Devout individuals who dedicate their lives to service, especially from a religious or spiritual perspective, often retreat to monasteries and seminaries. By removing themselves from society, they filter out the daily "noise" and create an ideal environment for deep introspection, study, and self - cultivation. Just as the best place to learn to fly is in an airplane, the best place to learn to be a priest and serve God is in a monastery, away from the hustle and bustle of society.

If we accept the yin - yang concept and acknowledge that true balance is only achieved in the womb, then every moment we spend in the outside world is a pursuit of that lost balance. I inform my patients that they are unlikely to achieve absolute balance again without adopting certain practices.

Our Lives Are a Yang Thunderstorm

Contemplate for a moment the nature of our lives:

• The daily hustle and grind

• Our jobs

• Our relationships

• The constant stream of media - driven information, like diet advice

• All the experiences we encounter while awake are sources of stress. In the context of this article, we are constantly bombarded with yang - type energy, which floods our energetic field. If we lack a means to counteract this continuous onslaught, the balance between our yin and yang teardrops will be disrupted, tilting towards one side, and making illness more likely.

And then, we add training to the mix. We deliberately introduce another yang - oriented activity into an already chaotic day, believing it's beneficial, as it indeed has its perks like improved fitness and better - fitting jeans. I'll admit to having a pre - tooth - brushing posing routine in the morning (and you probably do too). We love our gym time and know it's good for us. But is it truly beneficial in the long - run, considering the overall balance of our lives?