Most of us are familiar with the ancient Chinese concept of yin and yang - two opposing forces in harmony and balance. Yang symbolizes the masculine principle and qualities such as movement, heat and activity. Conversely, the feminine principle of yin represents stillness, coolness, passivity and simply "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 will help you to cope with 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 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".
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 complement your other workouts.
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 benefit your life "off the mat" as well.
Arguably the most wonderful effect of a regular yin yoga practice is how it can gradually improve your attitude to your life in general. You will develop patience, acceptance and compassion towards your body during the class, and these same qualities will also arise in your daily life more as well. From becoming more understanding with difficult people who normally irritate you to being more compassionate and accepting of yourself, yin yoga will transform your way of seeing and being with the world.
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 will help you to cope with 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 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".
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 complement your other workouts.
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 benefit your life "off the mat" as well.
Arguably the most wonderful effect of a regular yin yoga practice is how it can gradually improve your attitude to your life in general. You will develop patience, acceptance and compassion towards your body during the class, and these same qualities will also arise in your daily life more as well. From becoming more understanding with difficult people who normally irritate you to being more compassionate and accepting of yourself, yin yoga will transform your way of seeing and being with the world.
About the Author:
Sharee James is a certified naturopath and a yoga and meditation teacher. Try a short "taster" yin yoga class and experience the peace of yin yoga for yourself!
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