Why should you give Yin Yoga a try?

By Hillary Arrieta

Do you have trouble sitting on the floor comfortably or while in meditation for any length of time?
Are you looking for a slower, more focused yoga practice?
Are you a more athletic yoga practitioner who wants to get through the primary series with ease?

These are all good reasons to practice the yin form of yoga. 
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How is Yin Yoga different from other styles of yoga?
Yin differs from a flow practice greatly. Most all of the postures that are considered "yin" focus on the health of the spine and the lower body. We use blocks and bolsters to support our bones so that the muscles can feel safe in our intent to completely relax them while putting healthy stress on our joints and connective tissues.

We hold the postures for time and bring awareness to the breath. Sometimes these postures can be held for five, even ten minutes... or longer.  

It is also much different than a restorative class. You will feel a lot of sensation during the class. Holding happy baby for six minutes is no easy task. There are many challenges you may face during your yin practice. Working with the breath and developing body awareness that is required to know when you've gone too far in to a posture are all things that will be developed during the practice.
 
Principals of the practice.
Yin has three main principals .

• Playing the edges
• Becoming still
• Holding for time

Playing the edges simply means that we come in to the form, wiggle around until we find, what my teacher calls the "Goldilocks" position. Not to deep in to the posture, not to shallow....just right.
When we find this Goldilocks position, we use the second principal to become still. Next we hold this position for time, and work on our connection to our breath.

I'm happy to announce that this month, I began teaching Yin yoga classes in Garland at Shakti Yoga Center on Sunday evenings. Prepare for your busy week by doing some Yin and then resting deeply during my iRest Yoga Nidra class immediately following.

Resources:
www.yinyoga.com
Paul Grilley's article on Yoga Journalwww.yogajournal.com/article/practice-section/yin-yoga-2/

Author

Hi! I’m Hillary Arrieta and I help people improve their lives by offering holistic solutions to ease stress, eliminate pain, and inspire self care practices. 

I own Gaia Bodywork in Richardson, TX. where I specialize in unique and effective massage and meditation techniques such as Barefoot Bar Therapy and iRest® Yoga Nidra.

Gaia Bodywork PLLC offers the Best Massage in Richardson, Texas for pain and stress management. ​​​​