Understanding Yin/Yang & Yoga
I try to build my yoga class structure on the concept of Yin and Yang.
What is Yin Yang anyways? Yin and yang are two halves together that create wholeness. Yin and yang together are the starting point for change.
From peronaltao.com "When something is whole, by definition it is unchanging and complete. So when you split something in two halves, yin and yang, it upsets the equilibrium of wholeness. This starts both halves chasing after each other as they seek a new balance with each other." Making change possible.
Where there is dark, there is light, where there is good, there is bad. Because something is considered beautiful, something can be considered ugly. If you recognize something as easy, you can recognize something as difficult. And so on.
I have taken notice that when I feel exhausted and need to rest, I have to stop and think...."Am I tired from sitting all day or emotional stress? or am I tired because of movement and I haven't stopped all day?" when I take a moment to recognize why I am feeling tired then I can decide what it is I need so that I feel energized and alive! If I have been sitting all day or very stressed and emotional, I then know that if I push myself to go for a walk, do yoga or something that requires movement, I will actually feel more energized than if I rested at this time. My body is needing balance and more sitting and resting isn't going to provide that balance at that time.
In relation to yoga practice and how I build my class structure:
Yin is a slower practice where poses are held for longer periods of time; working on the deep and dense connective tissues and joints, offering calm and peace.
Yang is more active practice that works on the muscles and the blood flow, building strength, stamina and flexibility. Yang style comes from more vigorous pranayama techniques such as Hara or Kriyas, also from vinyasa style flows such as Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) and other active heat-building asana.
I do believe that mostly we can find a beautiful balance in each and every practice. If you are someone who enjoys Yin yoga classes or very active ashtanga practice, it will do your body good to balance these practices out with practicing some of each style of practice.
I teach a Kripalu-inspired style class with a quiet and mindful beginning, bringing us into our space for practice, leading into a gentle spinal warm up, covering all movements of the spine (yin) . We will either move into some energetic swings and breath of joy or we will head right into a few sun salutations to get the body warmed up and the blood flowing and prepared for practice(yang). Then my classes usually concentrate on a series of vinyasa style flows, mindful and concentrating on breath and finding our own rhythm as we practice a series of postures that incorporate all muscles and joints in the body (this can be both yin style postures and a more yang style practice depending on the moon cycle and the season, as these direct our energy and how we feel about moving). I always offer at least one restorative posture(yin) that will offer students a little time to rest and rejuvenate the mind and the body before heading to any floor postures that can be either yin or yang style. Always closing our time in class with a deep savasana and time to rest. Following the Kripalu tradition of longer savasanas and often offering readings and quotes in class and connecting our practice on a spiritual level, whatever that may mean for you.
Balance, this is the key. Remember on those days when you feel just too tired to go to yoga because you sat all day at your desk or drove many miles for your work, it may be hard to get yourself out the door and onto your mat but once you do, your body and mind will thank you for it!!
I wish all of you reading this peace and balance, love and light,
Namaste
What is Yin Yang anyways? Yin and yang are two halves together that create wholeness. Yin and yang together are the starting point for change.
From peronaltao.com "When something is whole, by definition it is unchanging and complete. So when you split something in two halves, yin and yang, it upsets the equilibrium of wholeness. This starts both halves chasing after each other as they seek a new balance with each other." Making change possible.
Where there is dark, there is light, where there is good, there is bad. Because something is considered beautiful, something can be considered ugly. If you recognize something as easy, you can recognize something as difficult. And so on.
I have taken notice that when I feel exhausted and need to rest, I have to stop and think...."Am I tired from sitting all day or emotional stress? or am I tired because of movement and I haven't stopped all day?" when I take a moment to recognize why I am feeling tired then I can decide what it is I need so that I feel energized and alive! If I have been sitting all day or very stressed and emotional, I then know that if I push myself to go for a walk, do yoga or something that requires movement, I will actually feel more energized than if I rested at this time. My body is needing balance and more sitting and resting isn't going to provide that balance at that time.
In relation to yoga practice and how I build my class structure:
Yin is a slower practice where poses are held for longer periods of time; working on the deep and dense connective tissues and joints, offering calm and peace.
Yang is more active practice that works on the muscles and the blood flow, building strength, stamina and flexibility. Yang style comes from more vigorous pranayama techniques such as Hara or Kriyas, also from vinyasa style flows such as Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) and other active heat-building asana.
I do believe that mostly we can find a beautiful balance in each and every practice. If you are someone who enjoys Yin yoga classes or very active ashtanga practice, it will do your body good to balance these practices out with practicing some of each style of practice.
I teach a Kripalu-inspired style class with a quiet and mindful beginning, bringing us into our space for practice, leading into a gentle spinal warm up, covering all movements of the spine (yin) . We will either move into some energetic swings and breath of joy or we will head right into a few sun salutations to get the body warmed up and the blood flowing and prepared for practice(yang). Then my classes usually concentrate on a series of vinyasa style flows, mindful and concentrating on breath and finding our own rhythm as we practice a series of postures that incorporate all muscles and joints in the body (this can be both yin style postures and a more yang style practice depending on the moon cycle and the season, as these direct our energy and how we feel about moving). I always offer at least one restorative posture(yin) that will offer students a little time to rest and rejuvenate the mind and the body before heading to any floor postures that can be either yin or yang style. Always closing our time in class with a deep savasana and time to rest. Following the Kripalu tradition of longer savasanas and often offering readings and quotes in class and connecting our practice on a spiritual level, whatever that may mean for you.
Balance, this is the key. Remember on those days when you feel just too tired to go to yoga because you sat all day at your desk or drove many miles for your work, it may be hard to get yourself out the door and onto your mat but once you do, your body and mind will thank you for it!!
I wish all of you reading this peace and balance, love and light,
Namaste
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