If you’ve been in the majority of places in the United States this past week you have been dealing with this summer’s heat wave- record high temperatures, blazing sun, and oppressive heat.   It’s sometimes referred to as the Dog Days of Summer, or the hottest time of the year in seasonal climates.  Mid summer is believed to be the peak of YANG energy in the yearly cycle.  YANG is the type of energy that is expansive, bright, hot and forceful.  It is the opposite partner of YIN, which is softer, darker and contracting in nature.  YANG energy began building back in the Spring and has now reached its climax (read more on the Ascent of YIN into YANG).  Interesting to note, in Eastern philosophy the direction of YANG is downward (as in the direction of the sun’s rays shining down on the earth).  Its force has become so dominant by this time that its heat effects are literally weighing us down, sending us running for relief in the nearest shady spot, air conditioned indoors or the beach.  But there is good news!  Every extreme carries seeds of its opposite.  YANG carries within it hints of YIN.  If you've ever experienced the relief of a cooling summer rain after a hot spell that's the YIN countering YANG.  Or think of when those bright sunny days turn into chilly August nights as a prelude to the coming Autumn.  So take heart, YANG may be getting us down right now, but its partner YIN will always bring us back into harmony.  Click here to Tweet about this article