In our fast-moving world – finding pockets of stillness and the opportunity to press pause can feel beyond our reach – but by cultivating a yin yoga practice – it offers us a way to deepen our awareness and be more in the moment. It can help us to peel back layers of ourselves and help us build healthier relations with not just ourselves but others.
Yin yoga encourages us to seek stillness – physically and mentally. Pressing the pause button by attending a yin yoga class could be the secret to helping you find a deeper connection to yourself and balance between the yang of our busy minds and lives.
What to expect in a yin yoga class –
Alongside the yoga mat the teacher may encourage the use of various props from bolsters to blocks, eye pillows and beyond. The yoga postures or asanas are generally kept low to the ground – the teacher will talk you into a posture and encourage you to find your comfortable edge which is a place where you can feel the stretch enough without over stretching. Then you become still and hold that position for approximately 3- 5 minutes. As those few minutes progress you may wish to ease out of the stretch slightly if it becomes too much, or maybe go a little deeper into it. It will vary on how you are feeling that day – so be patient and avoid looking at what anyone else is doing. Instead tune into yourself and what is going on in your body – be curious. It might be that you can breathe through any discomfort you are feeling, you may just be restless – being still for a few minutes is a challenge. By being curious you can become more aware of what you are feeling and why you might be feeling it. Try and stay in the moment and focus on the job in hand, notice your breathing try to find a sense of ease rather than tension. Let the muscles of your face relax, let your shoulders ease away from your ears, unclench and unclasp – and just be. Classes often end in Savasana – lying on your mat on your back, arms away from the body, palms up, feet wide and relaxed. You may be lucky and have a guided meditation at this point of the class too. Every yoga teacher has their own way of doing things, their own style, so try a few classes to find the one that suits you.
Some days doing a yin yoga practice can feel so challenging – whereas another dynamic yang flow class could feel easier. Easier is not necessarily what you need though – but slowing, stilling, be present is! Feeling restless in those longer held poses may be just the ticket to quietening the inner noise so that ultimately instead of restlessness, you will find rest. Being in the moment allows you to focus on not just how your are feeling, but to listen to sounds, notice tastes, smells, any sensations of touch or connection to the yoga mat, the the earth. The more you practice taking this opportunity to press pause and get curious – the more balance you will bring into your life because you have made more time for yourself.
It’s got to be worth a go!
