Did any of you notice the erroneous word in Post #32?
(Prize to first reader who identifies word and emails me.)
Much to this author’s chagrin, my promise last week regarding the topic for this week used an inadvertent word.
Being a wet behind the ears neo-Freudian (you know how zealous new converts can be) when my eyes connected with the unintended word, the analysis began in earnest. My desire to formulate an interpretation that would reveal my unconscious motive was strong. Suddenly I wished to discover a motive so evolutionary in scope that it would transform my life and the lives of my faithful readers before sunset.
Results of analysis?
Initially: Nothing.
After a period of contemplation: Mistaken word energy might have been my unconscious bringing to my attention the energy experienced while practicing Tai Chi. This energy is detected mostly in my hands and is a combination of pulsing or tingling sensations; sensations never believed available to me.
Honestly it is difficult for me to believe that my unconscious was involved in what otherwise might be labeled a senior moment. But the exercise to probe for meaning was interesting and, while it didn’t transform me or I assume you, there is a new clarity about the importance of Tai Chi in my life and gratitude seems appropriate for this gift.
Maybe you didn’t even notice the sudden insertion of the word energy instead of attention. Do you pay attention to Freudian slips in your life? How do you find meaning in your life?
Now on to the important business of describing yin attention!
Feelings of spaciousness accompany the state of yin attention. The interior space and silence provided by authentic yin attention offer respite from the blistering heat of summer. The rapid pace of time is soothed by yin attention’s quality of connection and fluidity.
Yin attention becomes possible when we have the ability to let go of our need to know and instead trust ourselves to discern the answers we need when we need them. It is easy to say the words “let go” – they roll off our tongues easily. The surrender required often defies our best efforts.
Yin attention has qualities of connection and fluidity. We can begin to see how everything is connected when we are in this space. Picture the four points of the compass and how easily the needle shifts from one direction to another.*
In contrast, consider a ladder as the symbol of yang attention (BTW pronouncing yang with tang sound is also acceptable according to Bob Klein**). When we are climbing a ladder, we have a definite destination in mind. None of the spaciousness or flexibility present in yin attention is available to us.
Next week we will learn more about how yin and yang attention work together.
Thanks for exploring the mystery with me – I truly appreciate your attention.
Nicky Mendenhall
*The idea of contrasting points on a compass and the function of a ladder came from Cynthia Bourgeault. Although Bourgeault used these ideas in a different context, I want to express my gratitude to her. Found in Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening (2004), pp. 66-67.
***You can learn more about Bob by visiting his website: www.movementsofmagic.com.
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