Masculine and Feminine Balance in Yoga
In yoga, we often hear about the polarity of masculine and feminine energies, but there is so much misinformation and cultural propaganda around these concepts. Today, I want to offer a yogic perspective to help open your mind and set the record straight, especially regarding the role of feminine energy. This is a topic I explore deeply in my book, Embody Your Inner Goddess: A Guided Journey to Radical Wholeness, which serves as a workbook for embracing and balancing these energies within ourselves.
Understanding Masculine & Feminine Energies
These terms can be interchangeable with other words that may resonate more with you. In yoga, masculine energy is often associated with the sun (solar), yang energy, and active, kinetic movement. Feminine energy, on the other hand, is connected to the moon (lunar), yin energy, receptivity, creativity, and flow.
We all contain both masculine and feminine energies, regardless of gender. The interplay of these energies manifests in our daily lives. Productivity and structure are masculine qualities, while rest and creative spontaneity are feminine. When we lean too heavily into one, we may experience imbalance—rigidity if we are too structured, or a lack of direction if we are too flowy.
Yogic Perspectives on Balancing These Energies
From a yogic anatomy standpoint, these energies move through our subtle body via the nadis—energy channels within us. The Sushumna Nadi runs along the spine, and alongside it are two key nadis: Pingala (right side, masculine) and Ida (left side, feminine). These nadis spiral up and intersect at the chakras, or energy centers, throughout the body.
To balance these energies in yoga, we can use specific practices:
Pranayama (breathwork): Nadi Shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing, is a powerful practice for balancing the Pingala and Ida nadis.
Asana (physical postures): A strong, structured, strength-focused practice activates masculine energy, while a fluid, intuitive, and restorative practice nurtures feminine energy.
Meditation: Focusing on different chakras or energy channels can help us identify where we might be out of balance.
Reclaiming the Feminine in a Masculine-Centric Society
We live in a fast-paced, masculine-dominated society that values productivity, logic, and structure while often suppressing the feminine qualities of rest, creativity, and intuition. This imbalance can lead to burnout, disconnection, and even societal issues like competition, domination, and war.
Embracing and embodying our feminine energy is not about rejecting the masculine; it’s about reclaiming wholeness. By integrating these energies, both individually and collectively, we cultivate more love, peace, and balance in our lives.
If you feel overworked, rigid, or unable to rest, you may have an imbalance favoring the masculine. Inviting more feminine energy through movement, mindfulness, and self-compassion can restore harmony.
For a deeper dive into this topic and practical exercises for embodiment, check out my book, Embody Your Inner Goddess: A Guided Journey to Radical Wholeness. You can also explore these themes in my yoga classes and teacher trainings at True Love Yoga and through my podcast, Deepen Your Yoga Practice.
