Life Nurturing Wisdom: a glimpse into Yang Sheng

The ancient Chinese concept of "Yang Sheng," often translated as Nurturing Life, emphasizes self-care practices that align with seasonal cycles, daily cycles, human life cycles (cycles within cycles!), our environments (inner and outer, immediate and broader, including animals and plants), and our own individual nature - which also fluctuates.

The guiding principles and practices of Yang Sheng focus on harmonizing with these various cycles and ever-changing factors. These include considerations related to diet (food properties and cooking methods), lifestyle choices, self-care practices accessible to the general population, physical activity (including rest and activity balance), sexual activity, emotional regulation, mental well-being, and spiritual cultivation.

Central to all recommendations is a deep understanding and adherence to the laws of nature, seeking balance in all aspects of life by avoiding excesses. Therefore, rather than imposing strict prohibitions, the emphasis is on cautioning against specific imbalances and their consequences on people's health. For instance, a classical Chinese Medicine text (Su Wen) warns about the detrimental effects of prolonged behaviours and postures on different bodily systems:

"Looking for a long time damages blood; lying down for a long time damages Qi; sitting down for a long time damages flesh; standing for a long time damages bones; walking for a long time damages sinews. These are called damage by the five taxations."

Yang Sheng also involves advice and practices that promote overall health and well-being. Essentially, the theoretical principles and methods recommended in Yang Sheng systems are comparable to tending to a garden:

" Some practices are like planting seeds to cultivate what is desired; other practices resemble pulling weeds: one must eliminate the activities that cause harm". (Lorraine Wilcox)

While theoretical knowledge, such as understanding food properties or seasonal effects, is valuable, true adherence to Yang Sheng requires a heightened awareness of one's health status and environmental conditions, adapting and transforming accordingly to live in accordance with these principles. The upcoming seasonal workshop series aims to impart participants with essential theoretical and practical teachings of Life Nurturing Wisdom, fostering a refined awareness and adaptability crucial for optimal health and well-being.

To sum up, the Yang Sheng philosophy emphasizes the significance of attaining harmony through synchronization with the natural cycles, aiming for balance in every facet of life to enhance well-being, unity, and ultimately, happiness.

"Nature always returns to balance. [...] the waters can bring us drink and food or they can wipe us out in a flood, but there is always calm after a storm, always day following night. When we pattern ourselves after nature, we try to achieve balance in ourselves and all we do". (Deng Ming Dao)