Yin and yang are the tendencies to expand and contract, the most basic forces in the universe, in our gardens, on our plates, and in our bodies.

Yin can be extreme: TNT, heroin, sugar. Or more moderate: strawberries, a scallion, a bean. Yang can also be extreme: salt, eggs, barbecued chicken. Or more moderate: grilled tuna, raw salmon, a bowl of oatmeal.

When we are yang, we are in action, stressed, working. Too much yang, and something happens to change it. It can be a short walk, a sick day, an accident, going from moderate to extreme. We do better when we are aware of our condition.

Any questions so far?