Discovering: Yin Yoga
Welcome, dear reader! If you’re here, then perhaps you have some curiosity surrounding the restorative practice of Yin Yoga. Well, in any case, I am so glad you’ve found your way to these pages.
It wasn’t long ago that I dismissed Yin Yoga as an “easy practice”, always opting for the intensity of Power Yoga and constant motion.
“Savasana is enough of a rest”
“My busy mind can’t sit still that long?”
“The more physically challenging a practice is the better!”
These were all thoughts I had surrounding my yoga practice, and it wasn’t until I took my first Yin class, led by a gracious and compassionate teacher, that I realized how mistaken I had been.
Yin is the very balance to our Yang driven world. It is the cool to the heat. The pause to our constant go-go-go. The slowing down we need when everything seems to be speeding up. Yin is the exhale to our inhale.
I truly had no idea what Yin would unlock for me… Shift forward to today, Yin is one of my most cherished and transformative practices I lead. I am continuously amazed by the profound depths Yin Yoga unveils, both for myself and my students.
Join me as we discover the why, what and how of Yin Yoga and its beautiful ability to reshape not only our bodies, but our hearts and minds.
Why try Yin Yoga?
There are SO many benefits to practicing Yin Yoga, that I want to just shout because WHY NOT!? As a teacher, I find that many people come to my Yin class because they want to work on stretching, or a way to ease sore muscles ( both which are great reasons), however, they often leave surprised to discover the incredible effects it has on their mind as well.
It’s all about the perks! Here are some other reasons to try Yin :)
Improved Flexibility
Stress Relief
Enhanced Joint Health
Increased Mindfulness
Improved Circulation
Release of Tensions and Toxins
When I first discovered Yin, I joined because I was feeling super tense from all the weight training I was doing at the time. Not only did it help restore my body, but it challenged my mind in a way I didn’t expect it to. Yin for me, is a practice of staying present. I notice when my mind is already out the door planning dinner, and I redirect my thoughts to the present moment. I am not perfect at it, but that’s the extraordinary thing about Yin- there is no perfection. It’s a continual practice, and this practice reminds me to be present both on and off my mat.
What To Expect?
Although each Yin class and instructor will vary, here are some elements that you can expect:
Poses are held between 2-5 minutes each. This timing is intentional as it allows the body space to relax into the posture.
Props are used! We typically use a yoga bolster, block and blanket in each class. These tools are to help bring ease and comfort throughout the practice. I highly recommend buying your own bolster for your own at-home practice if you can! This one here is wonderful.
Breath work. Yes we work on how to breathe! Breath work is an important element of most yoga practices and is central to Yin. We use breath as an anchor throughout class to relax the body, focus the mind, and calm the central nervous system.
Quietness! You may notice that the class has more quiet/still moments than a typical vinyasa practice. Giving my students space for quietness is one of the most important things I believe I can do in a Yin class- we just don’t get enough of this in life!
How To Get Started?
So let’s get started then! Thankfully today, there are so many ways you can practice Yin Yoga.
Here are a few:
Search online in your local area for a yoga studio that offers this style class. Sign up and give it a try!
If you live in a remote area or don’t have the ability to go in-person, YouTube has so many great at-home offerings just search Yin Yoga.
Local to OKC? Join me on Sundays at 4pm!
Whatever way you choose to get started, just give it a go!
Sometimes, life has a way of reminding us to slow down. To take the longer route home, to sit at the dinner table a few minutes more, to rise slowly in the morning. As you start to discover Yin Yoga remember that it takes time to get use to something new. Something different. For some it may come so natural to you. For others, like myself, it may feel more challenging than anticipated. I encourage you to embrace the challenge, as often the things we need most require us to step out of our comfort zone in order to grow. Be patient with yourself and recognize you are taking the first step in a new path!
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below! Please share your thoughts, questions and anything else you’d like to know about Yin Yoga!
