Settling into stillness.

During the practice of yin yoga we are asking our bodies to hold shapes for extended periods of time at the point where we first begin to notice resistance (edge). Yin is not a fully passive practice. Unlike in restorative yoga where we are asking our mind and body to fully let go, during yin, we are asking our body and mind to hold, lengthen and create new space within ourselves. We allow our body to determine where it wants to land.

The three principles of yin yoga include defining your edge, finding stillness and then holding for time.

Physically, this practice allows us to work deep into our fascia, the connective layer of tissue that supports and holds in place every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber, tendon, ligament and muscle found within our bodies.

The yin practice not only provides deep strengthening within our muscle fibers and tissues but can also provide deep mental and emotional release. Due to the extended holding period of shapes it provides multiple meditative benefits.

During the yin yoga practice we allow our minds to observe, without judgment, whatever may surface.

It is not uncommon to leave a yin yoga practice feeling light, energized, open and focused.