Ancient Chinese philosophy teaches us that all of nature is made up of two opposing but harmonious principles: yin and yang. Yang is the principle of masculinity and symbolizes qualities such as movement, fire and activity. To balance yang, we have yin: the feminine principle of stillness, water and passivity.
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's an antidote to do 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 release knots and ease aches in your body.
Sitting at desks for too long, too much driving, lack of exercise or even too much exercise can cause stress and tension in the body. These knots of contraction occur in the fascia, and yin yoga works directly on the fascia of the lower body to deeply release any built-up tightness. Fascia is connected in one long sheath, and simply by working on a few areas where the fascia is dense (such as the lower back and hips), allows it to start to loosen up all over.
3. It will help you to shift gears from "doing" to "being".
Every "asana" or posture in yin yoga is held from 3 to 8 minutes, which is a significant period of time dedicated to being still and aware of the breath. This can feel difficult if you are not accustomed to "doing nothing", but over time you will be able to simply surrender and just "be", and your body and mind will be able to relax deeply. It is a good segue into traditional forms of seated meditation also.
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.
Definitely the most powerful benefit of an ongoing yin yoga practice is how it can slowly change your attitude to, and experience of, life in general. As you begin to cultivate patience, acceptance and compassion towards your body in the long-held poses, these same qualities will also arise in your daily life as well. From becoming more tolerant with difficult people who would normally drive you nuts, to being more compassionate and accepting of yourself, yin yoga will transform your outlook on life for the better.
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's an antidote to do 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 release knots and ease aches in your body.
Sitting at desks for too long, too much driving, lack of exercise or even too much exercise can cause stress and tension in the body. These knots of contraction occur in the fascia, and yin yoga works directly on the fascia of the lower body to deeply release any built-up tightness. Fascia is connected in one long sheath, and simply by working on a few areas where the fascia is dense (such as the lower back and hips), allows it to start to loosen up all over.
3. It will help you to shift gears from "doing" to "being".
Every "asana" or posture in yin yoga is held from 3 to 8 minutes, which is a significant period of time dedicated to being still and aware of the breath. This can feel difficult if you are not accustomed to "doing nothing", but over time you will be able to simply surrender and just "be", and your body and mind will be able to relax deeply. It is a good segue into traditional forms of seated meditation also.
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.
Definitely the most powerful benefit of an ongoing yin yoga practice is how it can slowly change your attitude to, and experience of, life in general. As you begin to cultivate patience, acceptance and compassion towards your body in the long-held poses, these same qualities will also arise in your daily life as well. From becoming more tolerant with difficult people who would normally drive you nuts, to being more compassionate and accepting of yourself, yin yoga will transform your outlook on life for the better.
About the Author:
Sharee James is a qualified naturopath and a yoga and meditation instructor. Try her short "taster" yin yoga class and experience the benefits of yin yoga for yourself!
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