It’s about balance, yin and yang

“In an age of speed, nothing could be more invigorating than going slow. In an age of distraction, nothing can feel more luxurious than paying attention. In an age of constant movement, nothing is more urgent than sitting still.” Pico Iyer

In yin yoga we have the chance to explore the curious process of taking things slow. During a class we’ll hold poses for around 5 minutes (sometimes even a wee bit longer). Exploring the subtlest movements in the body and the sense of true presence that runs alongside these mindful observations. Approached with a soft kindness, there is no end point or final expression to the shapes we hold. Stepping back from the edge we find a space to rest in a radical stillness, in distinct contrast from a sometimes yang dominated culture we live in.

Why yin? From Daoist philosophies, the words yin and yang exist as opposites. Two sides of the same coin, they complement one another, and exist to differing degrees within all things. Both contain elements of the other and their relationship forms a constant flux. By acknowledging these oppositions in ourselves we can find a sense of balance and harmony.

This relationship is poetically illustrated in John Bellaimy’s Ted lesson here.

And my own little version here…

Yang is a sunlit park.
Yin is the shade beneath the tree.
Yang peaks in summer.
Yin blooms through winter.
Yang is a roaring fire.
Yin is deep in cool dark water.
Yang is a cheetah, chasing for food.
Yin is the elephant, grazing the fields.
Yang is uncontrollable laughter with friends.
Yin is time alone with a good book.
Yang is the sword to fight with.
Yin is the shield to defend.
Yang is to question.
Yin to accept.

This is why I love to practice yin yoga alongside a more yang style of movement. One compliments the other. And I’ll often see a little bit of yin as I ground and soften through the movement of a yang practice, or a flicker of yang in a long held dragon of a yin class. It’s not that yin is better or more important than yang, it’s just that we need to explore both to find the sweet spot of calm of balance in between.

Of course the only way to really understand yin (or any other embodied practice) is to experience it. It’s a feeling. And you can feel it with me every Tuesday night at 7pm from the comfort of your own home. Prepare with blankets, blocks and bolsters if you have them. Pillows and books make a good replacement.

Sign up for my zoom class Tuesdays at 7pm here!