What is Yin Yoga?

 to understand any form of yoga, one must experience it

YOGA
Sanskrit: योग [joːɡɐ]

Yoga in Sanskrit means “yoke” or “union”.

It can be described as a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines that originated in pre-Vedic ancient India.

A system that offers wisdom, techniques and practices to support physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing:
~ physical postures | asana
~ breathing techniques | pranayama
~ guidance on living | yama & niyama
~ meditation.

It is practiced in the Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist traditions. Yoga melds body and mind to attain various salvation goals. Here in the ‘West’ we popularly reduce Yoga to an exercise.

But it’s a science, that can be effectively applied whether you believe in the philosophy of yoga or not. A wide and deep toolbox of practices accessible to everyone – helping us achieve harmony and greater understanding of ourselves and life.

Yoga is a process of self-realisation and discovering the true nature of things.

The journey itself is an individual one. Everyone will have their own unique level of understanding as they progress along the path of yoga.

YIN & YANG

A taijitu.
The black area representing yin,
the opposite white side representing yang.
The dots are representative of one within the other.

YIN YOGA

Balance and harmony.

Yang is strong.
Yin is soft.
Yang is muscle.
Yin is tissue.

YIN YOGA + TIME

Time is the magic ingredient, offering a gateway to profound transformation within the body and mind. By embracing extended holds, practitioners tap into the innate wisdom of their bodies, allowing tissues to gradually relax, rehydrate, and adapt.

This practice not only enhances flexibility and joint health but also fosters a meditative state that encourages introspection and emotional release. The cumulative effects of sustained stress on tissues stimulate healing responses, making Yin Yoga a powerful tool for both physical and mental well-being.

As we embrace the stillness and patience required in Yin Yoga, we learn to appreciate the subtle yet profound changes that time can bring. Whether you are new to this practice or a seasoned practitioner, remember that in Yin Yoga, time is not just a measure but a medium through which healing and growth occur.

As you settle into each pose, allow time to work its magic, and discover the depths of transformation that lie within.

“Metabolising over regulating
Integrating over elevating
Feeling over fleeing”

Grace Tempany