Tag: Yin yang

Hope in this Lunar New Year

Do you feel the hope in this Lunar New Year of the Tiger. For you, how does that make you feel compared to the Ox in 2021 or the Rat in 2020? And why did I call it the Lunar New Year? Hasn’t it always been referred to as the Chinese New Year?

A Little Clarification

The Lunar New Year begins on the day of the first new moon. Although a calendar based on the cycle of the moon has been around for ages, we tend to associate it with China where it is celebrated big time. Whole extended families return home, celebrating together. In fact, we see dragon dances performed in large cities across the globe. And it isn’t a few days. Rather it goes on for over two weeks, culminating in the release of thousands of paper lanterns into the night sky on day fifteen, the night of the first full moon. Read more about this year’s celebration.

What is Your Lunar New Year Symbol?

As a child, I remember my family eating at a Chinese restaurant with paper placemats of the Chinese Zodiac. Each of us would find the year we were born and discover who we were. Well, not really. Still, I always noticed my father and I were both Snakes. Since we shared a curiosity and enjoyment of this creature, it seemed only natural. I’ve researched the elements a little more and found that I’m a Yin Water Snake. Dad was a Yin Earth Snake. Furthermore, all Snakes are Yin and all Tigers are Yan. Read more if you’re curious about the Chinese Zodiac animals.

It’s All About Hope

It’s easy to look at all manner of negativity in life. On the other hand, looking for positivity is just as easy. Last year we were stuck with the Ox and betrayed by the Rat in 2020. I’m counting on hope in this Lunar New Year of the Tiger to lift me to new heights of gratitude, connection, and strength in 2022. How about you?

When the Soul Speaks – Listen

When the Soul Speaks – listen. Our souls speak to us everyday, but most of us don’t hear it. We dismiss all the information we receive, even if it’s screaming at us.

The photo above is three of us ‘girls’ at the 50th high school reunion check-in table. Certainly, it is common to wear black to any function. It is instantly elegant, most people look good in it, and it makes us appear thinner, right?

Usually, I opt for bright colors, but this time I chose black and white. Although the pattern is certainly flame-like. This is a hint of my Sagittarius self, one of the fire signs. Did my soul know this perfect picture was coming later when I plucked this blouse from the hanger? I think, “Yes!”

Likewise, my soul was adamant that I stay out with the name tags until there were no more arrivals.  This time, when the soul speaks – listen was heeded. Eventually, I had to go into the crowded, noisy room full of people I thought I needed to see.

All the energy of the room felt like I was walking through a curtain of kelp on the ocean floor, intent on finding a safe spot where I could observe rather than feel boxed in.

You can see in this picture, I found that safe spot at the back of the room. Furthermore, two people I didn’t know were at the table. Perfect!

Now, step back, squint your eyes a little. What do you notice?

Yes, it’s the perfect yin yang symbol setup behind me with my blouse a sort of portable yin  yang statement, anchoring the photo.  Here’s a funny ‘behind-the-scenes’ fact. I had just finished eating a fabulous healthy green salad, southern green beans, and the best tenderloin steak ever from The Catering Company of Central Florida . As my friend, Larry, snapped the photo, I could just imagine all the green stuff in my teeth and gums. Therefore, my smile is very much subdued… for me.