09.07.14

In Taoism, the basic principles of yin-yang theory are as follows:

1. Yin-Yang are opposites
   They are either on the opposite ends of a cycle, like the seasons of the year, or, opposites on a continuum of energy or matter. This opposition is relative, and can only be spoken of in relationships. For example: Water is Yin relative to steam but Yang relative to ice. Yin and Yang are never static but in a constantly changing balance.
2. Interdependent: Can not exist without each other
   The Tai Ji (Supreme Ultimate) diagram shows the relationship of Yin & Yang and illustrates interdependence on Yin & Yang. Nothing is totally Yin or totally Yang. Just as a state of total Yin is reached, Yang begins to grow. Yin contains seed of Yang and vise versa. They constantly transform into each other. For Example: no energy without matter, no day without night. The classics state: "Yin creates Yang and Yang activates Yin".
3. Mutual consumption of Yin and Yang
   Relative levels of Yin Yang are continuously changing. Normally this is a harmonious change, but when Yin or Yang are out of balance they affect each other, and too much of one can eventually weaken (consume) the other.
   Four (4) possible states of imbalance:
   
   1. Preponderance (Excess) of Yin
   2. Preponderance (Excess) of Yang
   3. Weakness (Deficiency) of Yin
   4. Weakness (Deficiency) of Yang
4. Inter-transformation of Yin and Yang.
   One can change into the other, but it is not a random event, happening only when the time is right. For example: Spring only comes when winter is finished.

(Reference: http://www.sacredlotus.com/theory/yinyang.cfm. Accessed September 8, 2014)

It strikes me that love and fear are sometimes much the same.  I have long considered the two opposites, but I cannot help but notice that it seems difficult to have one without the other arising.  Love, it seems to me, inevitably results in anxiety, as one finds him or herself stuck between fear of something ending and the simultaneous fear that it will never end.

Perhaps peace comes only when we surrender to the flow.  It seems that fear is almost always rooted in projections about the future, often based on the past.  Love, on the other hand, occurs in real time, moment to moment.

In my best moments, I concentrate on loving.  Experience thus far suggests that if I can only do this, there is nothing to fear.