Yin Yang Yoga - From Slow to Flow

Yin Yoga is a quiet practice in which each pose (asana) is held for 3-5 minutes, allowing the prana or chi (life force or vital energy) to flow freely through the body, while cultivating a mindful and contemplative practice.  In the first half of this class, we will slowly move from one seated pose to the next, settling in each pose for an extended period, and moving our attention inward. In a Yin Yoga practice, we take each pose slowly and passively, finding power in stillness, and focusing on the deeper connective tissues of the joints, ligaments, fascia, and bones.

The 3 fundamentals of a safe and effective Yin Yoga practice: 

• (1) Coming into a pose to an appropriate depth and within one’s own intelligent range of motion to safely and gently exercise our connective tissues during the poses.

• (2) Remaining in stillness in the pose to bring greater awareness and intention to our practice and our body, heart, and mind.

• (3) Holding the pose for extended time to allow our subtle (astral) bodies to re-energize by opening up and unclogging the meridians or nadis, letting the prana or chi flow.

In the second half of the class, we will share an equally challenging Yang Yoga practice – a vigorous vinyasa flow session to balance our practice – awakening the muscles and stimulating the prana or chi, while maintaining the awareness and intention already cultivated through the Yin practice. Traditional hatha yoga practice, such as vinyasa flow, is considered a “yang” practice because it is active, employs rhythmic and repetitive movements, and focuses on the superficial fluid tissues of muscle and skin.

Come and explore the depths of your yoga practice…