In recognition of Women’s History Month, Atwood Magazine has called upon artists to contribute a series of essays exploring themes of identity, music, culture, inclusion, and more.
Today, renowned JUNO-nominated drummer, producer, and composer Salin shares her insights on how we can all rest and embrace our Yin (femininity) while avoiding burnout in a special essay titled ‘How We’ve All Become Too Masculine: Ways to Rest and Embrace Our Yin (Femininity) and Avoid Burnout,’ part of Atwood Magazine’s Women’s History Month series.
Salin, originally from Thailand and now based in Canada, is a Juno-nominated drummer, producer, and composer. Her current work delves into the captivating sounds of Northeast Thailand, blending them with 1970s West African psychedelia within a modern soulful production framework. Through her music, she explores themes of identity, spirituality, and humanity, infusing fun to create a distinctive auditory experience for her audience.
Her single "Si Chomphu" has reached the Top 40 charts of Cat Radio (Thailand) and KCRW (Los Angeles). She has had the privilege of performing at a variety of festivals, including the CHANEL Summer Tour 2024 and the Montreal International Jazz Festival (2022 and 2024). Collaborating with both local Thai and Canadian musicians, Salin is merging elements from the East and West in her latest album, ‘Rammana,’ now available.
‘Rammana’ is an innovative album that fuses afro-jazz, funk, and indigenous Thai instruments, a genre Salin has termed “Afro Isaan Soul.” This remarkable combination emphasizes shared global musical traditions and serves as a reminder that music acts as a universal language, transcending boundaries and bringing us together in shared joy and creativity. As the only female drummer, producer, and composer championing this genre, Salin has established herself as a pioneering voice within both the global and jazz music landscapes. Stream Salin’s new album wherever you can, and check out her Women’s History Month essay below!
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How to Rest and Embrace Our Yin (Femininity) to Avoid Burnout!
by Salin
One day, while driving to a cottage, I listened to a podcast where Mo Gawdat, an Egyptian entrepreneur and Chief Business Officer at Google X, spoke on The Diary of CEO podcast. The host, Steven, asked Mo a thought-provoking question:
“What are the failures you cherish the most?”
Mo responded, “I’ve failed to empower my feminine side... and I believe our world is suffering from hypermasculinity.”
As a woman, hearing a man express this made me reflect on the definitions of masculine and feminine traits. When discussing masculinity and femininity, we often think in terms of men and women, but Mo Gawdat is referring to the masculine and feminine traits within all of us, akin to Yin and Yang.
According to Taoism, these concepts symbolize ‘opposing but interconnected forces that form a complete whole.’ Yin is commonly associated with feminine qualities such as earth, passivity, and receptivity, while Yang aligns with heaven, light, and action. Yin cannot exist without Yang, and vice versa. Nevertheless, in Taoism, Yin, as a passive characteristic, is often viewed negatively. In our contemporary society, we embrace Yang, the active aspect, while neglecting Yin and its stillness. We are perpetually in motion; when we take a break, it can feel like we’re slacking off, potentially leading to labels like lazy or dysfunctional. It is frowned upon in today’s society, and we prioritize ‘doing’ over ‘being.’ Currently, there is an imbalance between our Yin and Yang.
The world values achievements so much that it can feel like we aren’t worthy of love unless we accomplish something. Social media plays a significant role in this mentality, as various industries increasingly gauge success based on likes and followers. Numbers may matter in commerce, but equating them with our self-worth is misleading. We love our closest friends for their kindness, support, and presence during tough times. Yet, amidst the competitive race, we often forget that we do not need to constantly prove our worth through our work in order to be valued. We are entitled to simply be, to embrace stillness after a marathon of activity.
If you’re like me and tend to be a workaholic, being part of the music industry can feel like a relentless competition, where stopping might feel daunting. Defying modern conventions, I’ve recently taken a few days to consider ways to slow down and rest.
Here are some suggestions:
- **Schedule social media breaks.** Taking time away from social media helps you re-center and prevents you from being overwhelmed by distressing news or comparison with others. Staying informed is important, but not continuously. Your mind requires stillness too.
- **Reconnect
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Renowned JUNO-nominated drummer, producer, and composer Salin expresses her insights on how we can prioritize rest and nurture our Yin (feminine energy) to prevent burnout in a unique essay for Atwood Magazine's Women's History Month series!