How can Yin Yoga change me?

If you’re new to Yin Yoga, there are three main principles:

1. Poses are held for 3-5 minutes (more or less).
2. Poses are held at your edge, or about 80% of your edge. On a scale of 1 – 10, maybe you start at a 4, and maybe you end around 7.
3. Once you settle into the pose, you remain still.

Some people fall in love with Yin Yoga the first time they practice it — but not everyone, myself included. To the observer it looks like you’re just hanging out in the pose, and therefore it’s easy, right?

When was the last time you tried to hold a Yoga pose for 3 minutes? It can be challenging — physically, mentally, and even emotionally.

How will I change for the better by practicing Yin Yoga?

Yin yoga has many benefits, far beyond just the physical benefits (which are enough of a reason to practice Yin Yoga!):

• Increased flexibility. There are many that say static holds won’t increase your flexibility. I have definitely seen an increase in my flexibility after 4 years of practicing Yin Yoga — but it takes consistency and practice.
• Stronger connective tissue. Those longer holds are designed to get deep into your body, not your muscles. Why do you want stronger connective tissue? To help prevent injury. To be able to do the activities you love. To not feel like the Tin Man!
• Build a stronger connection between your body and mind. I’ve asked students to tell me how they feel — before a class, during the poses, and after the class. Many people have no answer, because they’re usually busy doing, not being. When you have a strong body-mind connection, you’re more aware of when you’re pushing too hard, how you need to adjust for your body, and when you just need to take a break — all lessons that can be carried off your mat and into everyday life.
• Be mindful. If you’re looking towards the future, you may be fearful and worried. If you’re looking towards the past, you may be sad or depressed. We really only experience joy when we’re in the present moment. The longer holds of Yin Yoga are a perfect opportunity to practice mindfulness — and who doesn’t need more joy in their lives?
• Reduce stress. Yin Yoga can help you tap into your parasympathetic nervous system. That’s a fancy way of saying it can help you calm down and relax.
• Balance your emotions. When taught with a focus on the meridians, Yin Yoga can actually change your mood. If you’re angry, fearful, worried, or sad, Yin Yoga can help you bring those emotions back into balance.
• Live in tune with nature to prevent burnout. I think we’ve all heard of (or experienced) how healing nature can be. Using practices aimed at the five seasons (according to Traditional Chinese Medicine), you begin to live more in tune with nature. You know when it’s a good time to be more active, and when it’s a good time to go more inward and rest more. This can help to prevent burnout.

Are you ready to stop doing & start being?

I hope that this introduction has piqued your interest in Yin Yoga. Are you ready to start taking care of yourself?

• Do you do everything for everyone but yourself?
• Are you frustrated and overwhelmed by your to do list?
• Are you feeling burned out?
• Do you feel as though you’re living in a scarcity mindset (there’s not enough for me)?
• Are you short on time and money, but you still want to take the time to care for yourself?

Come join me for just one day of Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra (they say it’s the equivalent of 4 hours of sleep in just 1 hour!), diving into your emotions via journaling, gentle movement, and Metta Meditation (a guided form of meditation that anyone can do — no really, even if you think you can’t meditate, you can practice Metta Meditation!).

To Sign up for my Fall into Joy Yin Yoga retreat click here.

Not sure what’s involved? To find out all the details click here

I need your help! If you practice with me and have found my Yin Yoga flows helped you, please help me bring free Yoga to even more people by leaving me a testimonial. To use my short form for testimonials please click here.

Do you have a sure fire cramp buster?

Looking for more Yin? To support your practice, I invite you to explore my YouTube channel here. You’ll find a range of Yin Yoga videos from 15 to 60 minutes. Select a practice that matches the time you have available and immerse yourself in the transformative power of Yin Yoga.

Want 3 simple reasons you need to join me for a Yin Yoga Retreat? This short is less than 1 minute and you’ll enjoy a soothing little waterfall as a bonus (click here).

Are you seeking balance, relaxation, and inner harmony? Join our Yin Yoga Facebook group here (remember to answer the questions), and unlock the power of deep stretching and mindfulness. Connect with fellow yogis, find inspiration, and access resources to enhance your practice. Together, let’s cultivate tranquility and well-being.

In the Facebook group I share numerous shorter Yin Yoga practices, break down poses, and share valuable insights into the practice.