Shiva and Shakti: Connecting with the Divine Masculine and Feminine within us all

Within the universe and within our own bodies and minds there is a balance of opposing forces; light and dark, hot and cold, heavy and bright, movement and stillness and so on. The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda understands that life is made up of these opposites and that finding balance between them is the key to a healthy physical and mental state. Ayurveda is associated with the even older lineage ofTantra,A system designed to guide the practitioner to understand themselves on spiritual, mental, emotional and physical levels. The word “Tantra” itself can be translated as “interwoven” and refers to the necessity of the polarities of life; light and dark, yin and yang and male and female to weave together to create wholeness.

It is this “weaving together” that is said to play a role in the creation of the world we know today. When Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati (also known as Shakti) united, their energy became intertwined and the universe was born. Through this birth we can see the balance of day and night, summer and winter, water and fire before our eyes. In addition to these polarities that exist in nature, there is a divine male and female energy within all of us. Call it “yin and yang,” “sun and moon,” or “male and female”; these two opposing forces that make up the totality of what it means to be human. This intertwining of male and female is in theArdhanarishvaraform; A half male and half female creature consisting of Shiva and Shakti equally divided down the middle. If there ever was a symbol for “equality,” the ancient texts figured it out pretty early! The earliest known illustrations of this form date from the first century AD and show how the opposing energies of male and female are inseparable and can be found in every part of nature. Whether you are a man, a woman, or identify completely differently, there are aspects of these divine energies that we can tune into each day to find greater balance in mind and body, and to celebrate Shiva and Shakti within us all. Read three perspectives and practices to promote this awareness.

Left Right

In many yoga exercises, the left and right sides of the body are dedicated to the two types of energy. The right side of the body is the traditionally masculine side, while the left side is associated with femininity. On the right side is thePingala Nadi,a channel carryPranaor “life energy” from the base of the spine through each of the chakras to the top of the head. ThePingala Nadirepresents the sun, warmth, fiery energy and stimulation, and we can actually enhance these energies in our own bodies and minds through practiceSurya Bhedana,or “right nostril breathing.” When inhaling primarily through the right nostril, blood flow increases, body temperature rises, cortisol and blood pressure rise, and heart rate increases. All of these responses demonstrate that right nostril breathing influences the sympathetic nervous system (the “fight or flight” side of the nervous system), bringing the body into a state of alertness and readiness – useful when you need a boost of motivation and energy, or to balance out lethargic, low-level states.

The left channel links toIda Nadi,A channel dedicated to feminine energy on the left side of the body, also running from the tailbone through and connecting to the chakrasPingala Nadion top of the head. When inhaling primarily through the left nostril (a technique known as “Chandra Bhedana” or “moon activating” breath) – coupled with Ida Nadi – the sympathetic or “rest and digest” side of the nervous system is activated, lowering blood pressure and body temperature, calming stress levels and reducing anxiety. This type of breathing also sends blood to the right side of the brain, associated with creative thinking, daydreaming and emotions.

When approaching a situation that may require more Shiva energy, practice right nostril breathing, and when your Shakti energy is needed, practice left nostril breathing. An easy way to balance the two energies is to practice regularlyNadi Shodhana,or “alternate nasal breathing.”

To practice this, close your right nostril and breathe in through the left, then close your left nostril and breathe out through the right. Then breathe in through the right nostril, close the right nostril and breathe out through the left. Literally breathing through “alternative” nostrils to balance the brain and balance the body’s energy.

Yin & Yang Seasonal & Daily Cycles

Each season contains a certain amount of ShivaYangand ShaktisYinEnergy. In the Northern Hemisphere, spring and summer are traditionally a time of “building yang energy,” associated with our ability to manifest and act in the world, put ideas into action, and enjoy the “fierier” side of ourselves. In fall and winter, yin energy predominates, encouraging us to turn inward, nurture our body and mind, and allow space and time for the regeneration of creative energy.

When we move through the year on a linear path - without recognizing the need to respect and abide by the fluctuations of yin and yang and the male and female energy that rises and falls - we begin to live out of alignment with nature. This is when fatigue, stress and illness can occur. This is a clear message to realign our bodies and minds with the rhythms of the world around us. To tune into the different rhythms of nature and how its Shiva and Shakti energy affects us, it is useful to cultivate a relationship and connection with the sun (traditionally Shiva aspect) and the moon (Shakti planet).

To tune in to the sun, start by watching the sunrise and sunset as often as possible. Doing this is perhaps one of the oldest rituals humans have ever had, and it is a wonderful way to return to our more primal, instinctive selves and help the body clock return to a healthy rhythm.

To connect with the moon, observe the changing phases of the moon and consider how the moon affects your own energy levels. Many of us may recognize that a full moon can greatly heighten emotions, and this is a good time to consider letting go of things you've been holding on to over the last cycle. A new moon is a time for deep rest and introspection, planning and self-care.

Try these techniques over the next few months to balance your Shiva and Shakti energies and unite these powerful opposing forces to cultivate a state of abundance in the mind and body.