This week I started exploring a Yin based lifestyle. First, I document how to differentiate between yin productivity and yang productivity. I think yang is mostly about deciding, controlling and directing the flow of action, while yin is more about perception and allowing action to flow very flexibly. I also think Yang would be more outcome oriented, while Yin might be more experience oriented.
Deliberately leaning into the yin direction has been a very interesting experience so far, especially yesterday when I chose to use this method throughout the day. I try to release any attachment to completing any particular task or moving forward on any particular project. I focus more on sensing what energy wants to flow through and be a part of my day. Throughout the day, I focused more on energy flow and inner perception than objective results.
Movements are brisk and easy. I felt very relaxed and chilled. It’s like being carried by a flow of energy all day long. I felt like I wasn’t trying particularly hard or doing much. But at the end of the day, I looked back at everything I had done and it was quite a lot of work.
I woke up at 5am, went for a run, and then met Rachelle in the park for a walk. I started listening to a new audiobook (James Fadiman’s Microdosing book) while running. I read more Ram Dass books here now and started reading Alexander Shulkin’s Piccard Book. So I was inspired to read three different books, but that’s not too much because there is a strong energetic connection between all the books. They cover similar ground from different perspectives. What I read in each book seemed to be in sync with the flow of the day. If my thoughts were more objective or positive, I might stick with a book until it’s finished. In fact, it feels better to read a few books.
I made clear, crisp decisions in some difficult areas and then took simple actions to move them forward. I feel like now is the right time to make these decisions, like they’re finally ready to come out and work themselves out. I also did some journaling to further some ideas I’d been working on, which also went really well. Overall, my life is more aligned with some of the long-term pathways that have unfolded.
I also went out to do errands twice, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. From an objective perspective, this seems less efficient than batch processing tasks. However, while I followed my inner push to do the first task, the second task wasn’t really on my radar, even though both were related. I feel like maybe I need to push forward and complete the first mission so that the second mission can emerge with energy.
I loved how both trips made my day more colorful. These errands are short and easy, and I really enjoy making them part of my day. They got me away from my desk and out for a while interacting with other people in the city. I feel like I’m keeping the energy spinning and the positive movement going. It was warm outside (it was 105°F outside on my second trip, which was about 41°C) and the warmth of the sun made me feel good. I’m used to sunny summer days in Vegas.
When I get some ideas for possible actions, I write down some of them, but only one or two at a time. This is mostly to get them out of my mind so I don’t obsess over them and can be more mentally relaxed rather than making to-do lists like I do in Yang mode. I eventually complete all the projects I write about, but only when I feel their energy inviting me to move in that direction and feel good motivation to participate. I did these things in the order I wrote them, but felt no pressure to do or not do them. As I wrote them down, I became more curious about them and less sure if they would come to fruition. They are options and possibilities, not decisions or commitments. Writing these thoughts down is a bit like saying, “I see you. Let me know if you want to act on them later.”
This day also had a strange feeling. I feel like I have adapted to a deeper collaboration and coordination with life. I don’t feel like I’m making a decision, but rather accepting the invitation of the energy level I feel. I don’t feel like these invitations are coming from within me (as in from my subconscious), as much as I am receiving signals broadcast on a more spiritual level of reality. These signals are very real-time and always change over time. They are often subtle, more like whispers or hints of possible energy flows. Nothing is required or mandatory.
Sometimes I feel a more yang thought arise, in which case I acknowledge it as yang and reject it. I can feel that some directions require more strength to push forward. I chose the option that felt easy and effortless, and did my best to take action immediately upon receiving the invitation—without hesitation or procrastination. There is no rush or urgency. Once I’m clear enough to realize where the flow is inviting me to go, I feel easier to take action.
I feel like my inner feelings have gotten louder and clearer this year, so this is a great way to practice listening to them more carefully, especially when communication is subtle. I don’t think this will work if my mind is cluttered or preoccupied with scheduled to-do items. The flow of action was great, and I actually felt like the day turned out better than if I had tried to control and direct it based on personal goals, both in terms of experience and results achieved. The flow of action was also very in sync with my mood and energy levels.
I want to use this approach as much as I can throughout the week. I’m really enjoying it so far. Overall, I’d say yesterday’s process felt great, but also a bit mysterious.
I’m continuing this process today and the reason I’m writing this little post and sharing it is because this morning it presented a very dark invitation. I have no goals today, not even planning to write or publish anything. In fact, I wrote this article and shared it as a personal update in the CGC Forum’s Exploration Log a few hours ago after a relaxing push after breakfast. Then later in the morning I felt the invitation to add more details and post it here, feeling others might appreciate it. Perhaps someone will find this idea timely and synchronic with their own explorations. So if this does sync up for you, maybe this is a special invitation for you to do some testing of this Yin productivity method in your own life. Please let me know if you do this and how it goes. It’s great to compare notes on this sort of thing.
