Thursday, July 24, 2008

Yin and Yang

As you know, the Yin-Yang symbol represents the ancient Chinese understanding of how things work. The outer circle represents "everything", while the black and white shapes within the circle represent the interaction of two energies, called "yin" (black) and "yang" (white), which cause everything to happen.

I've never really understood the concept until this week. Now suddenly it seems to make sense.

I've experienced what they call Yang energy (bright, active, upward, hot, expanding, strong) in my exercise this week.

On Tuesday I ended up going to the gym for W1D3 pushups. I was also introduced to the ab roller for crunches. It helps keep the back and neck in the correct position. It's an awesome thing. That evening was the progressive run. 15min easy, 10 min hard, 15min easy. It was a tough workout for me because 10mins seems like a L-O-N-G time for running hard.

Wednesday I commuted by bike and did 4x25 crunches using the ab roller thing.

This morning 1000 yd swim, followed by W2D1 pushups. Yes, I've finally advanced to week 2. Woot! Soon I'll be out the door to meet with the group for a hill workout consisting of 15min easy, 8x800 hills, 15min easy. [Updated to mention that I did 10x600 instead of 8x600. Woot!]
In contrast, I'm seeing Yin energy (dark, passive, cold, downward, contracting, weak) in the form of resurfacing anxiety.

OWS - I'm looking foward to testing the water again tomorrow, but am apprehensive already.

MSF class - I also have my motorcycle safety class and skills test on the agenda, which will be Friday evening and most of the day on Sat & Sun. I have concerns about getting my scooter to the class and if they'll even let me take the class on my scooter. I have concerns about whether my hiking boots will be sufficient or if they'll kick me out of the class for wrong attire. I have concerns about my ability to learn the skills and pass the test at the end. I'm trying to convince myself to take a 'whatever happens happens' attitude, but deep down this has me more anxious than any race I've done.

Missed opoportunities - Because of the MSF class, I'm missing Son's initial marching band performance for the parents. This makes me sad.

Visitor prep - We need to get the house ready for visitors that are arriving next week. I don't even know if I'll have time to do what I think needs to be done with a busy weekend.

I guess the good thing about the Yin-Yang model is that these things end up being intertwined resulting in some sort of harmony. We'll see about that...

21 comments:

  1. Life is definitely a balancing act. Good to hear your training is going well. Im sure your Moto Safety class will be fine

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  2. GO LISA!!! ;D ;D ;D Gosh, you'll be passing me in no time with that Push Up Challenge. 1 full week of Week 3 Day 1 and I'm still not thinking I can move on *sigh*

    Awwwhhh you're so cute about the MSF class. Try not to worry. I'm sure everything will be fine. There is nothing you can do RIGHT NOW that will control the outcome of it, KWIM? No sense in burdening yourself before you even get there ;-) Easier said then done though, right? LOL

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  3. As distinct as the pieces are, they do seem to swirl and entwine, don't they? Sounds like a great week. You'll have to post a picture of you and your scooter from the MSF class! Have fun with your company coming.

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  4. Hi Lisa, I have total and complete confidence in you! I know you will rock the MSF class! Remember Yin/Yang, it all works out, all balances out i mean!!!

    Thanks for your always quick responses to my kinda stupid questions!!!

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  5. I want to see a pic of you and the scooter as well! I'm planning on taking a MSF class soon - I already know what bike I want. :)

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  6. Excellent training week. The anxiety will pass when you see that those things will be fine as well, I'm sure. Enjoy the swim and the class, sorry about the band performance but there will be more.

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  7. wow you have absolutely been rocking your training this week. I'm sure the anxiety of everything going on will pass. It sounds like you have everything under control.

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  8. I really like that progressive run idea. Was that a group run, or did you do it on your own??

    I need to do something to help me get moving a bit faster! ;)

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  9. Things do have a way of falling into place. Don't worry about the MSF....BTW, photo please!!

    I love your progressive run idea, geez, I can only manage 10 minutes of running and 1 minute of walking...you are hard core girl..

    have a great weekend...try not to stress out too much...

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  10. And here I just thought it was something the random ninja tattoos on their arm. And why am I obsessed with ninjas lately?

    Nice week of work!

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  11. Exactly! Those things flow along in harmony. You can either go with the flow, or fight it :-) Make your choices...

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  12. Sounds like your training is really going well. Great job!! Focus on how well your training is going, have fun, and do the best you can with the rest - don't sweat what you can't control.

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  13. Harmony is good. I'm a big fan of balance. You are doing so great on your training! Good to hear you got that swimming in.

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  14. It sounds like you have a lot of different fun things going on!! I'm just impressed with the energy you must have to start up a new hobby with everything else you have going on.

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  15. Great piece about yin/yang! Never felt I knew what it meant until reading this.

    The yin and the yang seem to be in STARK contrast for me at times, as they appear to be for you this week. I often wonder how can that happen? How can some things be clicking along so well but others produce such anxiety and stress?

    I like your perspective on it!! I also believe you will rock your course this weekend. Go in there believing that you are the BOMB and you are going to ace it! You will.

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  16. Nice.. a perfect balance! And those workouts rock. Good luck with your MSF class!

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  17. That's good - it helps see that all of it, not just the sparkly easy parts - are part of life. Thanks!
    And good luck with your test :)
    I'm starting the pushup thing too - you've inspired me

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  18. Great job on the push-up challenge!

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  19. I felt lots of yin and not muh yang this week. It's good to know that it all balances out at the end. Thanks for making me aware again. :-) And great job on your push-ups and the running, too.

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  20. You did a good job with the OWS on Friday. I hope your weekend is going alright, and you're not stressing too much about other things :)

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  21. Balance is a careful art. At least you're aiming for perfecting it!

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