If we are lucky enough to observe nature, we slowly become attuned to its rhythm and flow and its gentle transition from one state to another.
Suggesting by living in harmony with our surroundings we accept nature's will to maintain rhythm and flow within a climate of change. Change progressive and not regressive. Not static but transitional. Change the catalyst binding the ebbs and flows of life together.
Everyday life on Earth is influenced by climate and the transition of time. Climate isn't a static entity but constantly evolving. For example, hot periods replaced by cold, night time following daytime, dry periods followed by rainfall and so on. The Yin energy forces countered by the Yang and vice versa.
We're a product of Yin and Yang oscillation within a climate of change
These words can basically sum up life on Earth and what maintains it. It's a primary mechanism for control and by altering the balance of one permanently means the pendulum moves across from a supposedly Yin place to say a Yang place and that potentially is happening with climate change on Earth.
The ancient Chinese recognised the phenomenon of change thousands of years ago while western science built its theories on a discourse of mathematical logic and desire to overwhelm nature. We are now re discovering the ancient Chinese findings and view life as products of Yin and Yang oscillation. By moving the planet across to a Yang place, life on Earth as we know it is being altered. We are ''yanging'' the planet. A stronger word could be used.
We can come down the scheme of things and withdraw into our humble garden.
The harmonious chi garden recognises the role of rhythm and flow. It's necessary for interaction and change. We of acceptance and not of denial.
One can be reminded of the role wind and water play in understanding rhythm and flow. Feng (wind) and Shui (water) symbolise their role in the composition of life and change. If we observe the movement of a breeze, it moves across a site and influences what's in its path. Leaves on a plant sway and respond to its influence and each movement produces a rhythm in response. Wind invites change. Water movements similarly suggest rhythm and flow abounding as a ripple moves across a surface, influencing then waning to return again to stillness. Both wind and water are transitional and their impact relative to external influences on the garden.
Natural places couldn't function without the rhythm and flow of the things that make up a site. It's so simple, yet so important in our understanding of life on Earth and harmony as part of our surroundings. Nature gives us her secrets if we are prepared to accept them and not question or redefine them. We slow down so rhythm and flow come to us, hopefully encompassing us and we passive within its grasp.
