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".
All things in life, including yoga or other forms of exercise, can be classed as yin or yang according to their basic qualities. There are styles of yoga (Bikram or Ashtanga for example) that are more yang-like, with their emphasis on strength and heat-building, dynamic poses. Yin yoga however, is totally different, with an emphasis on longer-held poses primarily done on the floor and the cultivation of mindfulness and surrender. I have experienced yin yoga to be a truly life-changing practice, here are 5 reasons to give it a go:
1. It will help you to cope with the stresses of modern-day life.
Western culture places a lot of value on yang-like qualities such as productivity, working hard and achieving external success. This can certainly help us to achieve our goals - but when out of balance it can lead to burn out, restlessness, anxiety and depression. We must remember to honour yin qualities as well, such as the ability to slow down, take it easy and enjoy what we have in the present. One way to counter-balance our chronic addiction to being busy, it to practice yin yoga.
2. It will dissolve chronic tension stored in your body.
If you have ever spent too long at your desk and felt pain and stiffness in your neck and back afterwards, then you know what physical tension is! We often think these kinks arise in our muscles, but really, they form in the connective tissue or fascia. One of the number one boons of yin yoga is that it works specifically on the fascia and the long duration of the postures enable a deep release of any contractions in the fascia and a feeling of looseness and spaciousness in the body.
3. It will shift you from "doing" mode to "being mode".
Each pose in yin yoga is held from a minimum of 3 minutes up to 8 minutes, so you are spending long periods in stillness, focusing on the breath and the sensations in the body. This can seem strange if you are not used to slowing down, but gradually you will be able to shift gears and surrender, and your body and mind will be able to relax deeply. It is a great introduction to more formal types of meditation as well.
4. It will balance other exercise programs.
Running, swimming, sports and working out at the gym are all "yang" forms of movement due to their repetitive, forceful nature. While very important for strength and fitness, they can also lead to joint wear and tear, injury and habitual tightness in specific areas of the body. Yin yoga can deeply stretch tight areas and reduce the risk of injury as well as help to cultivate an awareness and acceptance of the body's natural 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.
All things in life, including yoga or other forms of exercise, can be classed as yin or yang according to their basic qualities. There are styles of yoga (Bikram or Ashtanga for example) that are more yang-like, with their emphasis on strength and heat-building, dynamic poses. Yin yoga however, is totally different, with an emphasis on longer-held poses primarily done on the floor and the cultivation of mindfulness and surrender. I have experienced yin yoga to be a truly life-changing practice, here are 5 reasons to give it a go:
1. It will help you to cope with the stresses of modern-day life.
Western culture places a lot of value on yang-like qualities such as productivity, working hard and achieving external success. This can certainly help us to achieve our goals - but when out of balance it can lead to burn out, restlessness, anxiety and depression. We must remember to honour yin qualities as well, such as the ability to slow down, take it easy and enjoy what we have in the present. One way to counter-balance our chronic addiction to being busy, it to practice yin yoga.
2. It will dissolve chronic tension stored in your body.
If you have ever spent too long at your desk and felt pain and stiffness in your neck and back afterwards, then you know what physical tension is! We often think these kinks arise in our muscles, but really, they form in the connective tissue or fascia. One of the number one boons of yin yoga is that it works specifically on the fascia and the long duration of the postures enable a deep release of any contractions in the fascia and a feeling of looseness and spaciousness in the body.
3. It will shift you from "doing" mode to "being mode".
Each pose in yin yoga is held from a minimum of 3 minutes up to 8 minutes, so you are spending long periods in stillness, focusing on the breath and the sensations in the body. This can seem strange if you are not used to slowing down, but gradually you will be able to shift gears and surrender, and your body and mind will be able to relax deeply. It is a great introduction to more formal types of meditation as well.
4. It will balance other exercise programs.
Running, swimming, sports and working out at the gym are all "yang" forms of movement due to their repetitive, forceful nature. While very important for strength and fitness, they can also lead to joint wear and tear, injury and habitual tightness in specific areas of the body. Yin yoga can deeply stretch tight areas and reduce the risk of injury as well as help to cultivate an awareness and acceptance of the body's natural 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 teacher. Try her short introductory yin yoga class and enjoy the benefits of yin yoga for yourself!
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