Most of us are aware of the ancient Chinese principles of yin and yang - two opposite forces in harmony and balance. Yang represents the masculine principle and qualities such as dynamism, heat and action. On the other hand, the feminine principle of yin represents stillness, coolness, passivity and "being".
Everything in life, including yoga or other forms of exercise, can be classified as yin or yang depending on their inherent nature. Ashtanga and Bikram yoga for example, are considered to be yang forms of yoga, due to their emphasis on strong, dynamic poses that require fitness and endurance. Yin yoga however, is completely different, with a focus on long-held 'asanas' done sitting or lying on the floor with a calm, mindful attitude. Yin yoga may appear simple on the surface, but it is a deep and rich practice than can slowly enhance all areas of your life. Here are 5 reasons to try yin yoga today:
1. It's an antidote to do the stresses of modern-day life
Western culture is a very "yang culture", with its emphasis on go-getting, striving and achieving. While certainly useful for realizing external success and achievement, the downside is that it can lead to stress, burn-out and mental health issues. We must remember to balance a yang-based life with yin qualities as well, such as taking time to slow down, be still and relax deeply. A regular yin yoga practice is a great counter-balance to a fast-paced life.
2. It will release knots and ease aches in your body.
If you have ever spent too long at your computer and felt stiff and sore in your shoulders after, then you know what physical tension feels like. We often think these knots occur in the muscles of our body, but actually they form in the connective tissue or fascia. One of the main benefits of yin yoga is that it works directly on the fascia and the long-held poses allow a deep release of any tightness and a feeling of ease and lightness with regular practice.
3. It will cure your addiction to "doing".
In yin yoga, the poses are held for quite a long time, from between 3 - 8 minutes. This allows you to rest deeply in the pose, and to observe the breath in a very mindful way. While it may feel difficult at first, over time you will be able to simply surrender and just "be", and your body and mind will be able to slow down and find a sense of inner peace. It is a good preparation for meditation and mindfulness practice as well.
4. It will balance other exercise programs.
Most forms of exercise such as swimming, walking, jogging and gym work-outs can be considered yang in nature due to their focus on dynamism, strength and endurance. While necessary for health and fitness, they may also lead to joint damage, injury and tightness in certain areas. Yin yoga release these tight areas and further reduce the risk of injury by improving both flexibility and your natural awareness of your body and it's limitations.
5. It will change your attitude to life for the better.
Perhaps the most powerful benefits of yin yoga is the way it will slowly change your attitude to your life in general. You will develop qualities of patience, acceptance and compassion towards your body within the poses, and these same qualities will show up in your daily life as well. From becoming more tolerant to people who ordinarily frustrate you to taking better care of yourself and being able to live more in the moment, yin yoga will slowly change your life from the inside out.
Everything in life, including yoga or other forms of exercise, can be classified as yin or yang depending on their inherent nature. Ashtanga and Bikram yoga for example, are considered to be yang forms of yoga, due to their emphasis on strong, dynamic poses that require fitness and endurance. Yin yoga however, is completely different, with a focus on long-held 'asanas' done sitting or lying on the floor with a calm, mindful attitude. Yin yoga may appear simple on the surface, but it is a deep and rich practice than can slowly enhance all areas of your life. Here are 5 reasons to try yin yoga today:
1. It's an antidote to do the stresses of modern-day life
Western culture is a very "yang culture", with its emphasis on go-getting, striving and achieving. While certainly useful for realizing external success and achievement, the downside is that it can lead to stress, burn-out and mental health issues. We must remember to balance a yang-based life with yin qualities as well, such as taking time to slow down, be still and relax deeply. A regular yin yoga practice is a great counter-balance to a fast-paced life.
2. It will release knots and ease aches in your body.
If you have ever spent too long at your computer and felt stiff and sore in your shoulders after, then you know what physical tension feels like. We often think these knots occur in the muscles of our body, but actually they form in the connective tissue or fascia. One of the main benefits of yin yoga is that it works directly on the fascia and the long-held poses allow a deep release of any tightness and a feeling of ease and lightness with regular practice.
3. It will cure your addiction to "doing".
In yin yoga, the poses are held for quite a long time, from between 3 - 8 minutes. This allows you to rest deeply in the pose, and to observe the breath in a very mindful way. While it may feel difficult at first, over time you will be able to simply surrender and just "be", and your body and mind will be able to slow down and find a sense of inner peace. It is a good preparation for meditation and mindfulness practice as well.
4. It will balance other exercise programs.
Most forms of exercise such as swimming, walking, jogging and gym work-outs can be considered yang in nature due to their focus on dynamism, strength and endurance. While necessary for health and fitness, they may also lead to joint damage, injury and tightness in certain areas. Yin yoga release these tight areas and further reduce the risk of injury by improving both flexibility and your natural awareness of your body and it's limitations.
5. It will change your attitude to life for the better.
Perhaps the most powerful benefits of yin yoga is the way it will slowly change your attitude to your life in general. You will develop qualities of patience, acceptance and compassion towards your body within the poses, and these same qualities will show up in your daily life as well. From becoming more tolerant to people who ordinarily frustrate you to taking better care of yourself and being able to live more in the moment, yin yoga will slowly change your life from the inside out.
About the Author:
Sharee James is a certified naturopath and a yoga and meditation instructor. Try her short "taster" yin yoga class and experience the peace of yin yoga for yourself!
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