Most of us are aware of the ancient Chinese principles of yin and yang - two opposite forces in harmony and balance. Yang represents the masculine principle and qualities such as dynamism, heat and action. On the other hand, the feminine principle of yin represents stillness, coolness, passivity and "being".
All things in life, including yoga or other forms of exercise, can be classed as yin or yang according to their basic qualities. There are styles of yoga (Bikram or Ashtanga for example) that are more yang-like, with their emphasis on strength and heat-building, dynamic poses. Yin yoga however, is totally different, with an emphasis on longer-held poses primarily done on the floor and the cultivation of mindfulness and surrender. I have experienced yin yoga to be a truly life-changing practice, here are 5 reasons to give it a go:
1. It will help you to cope with the stresses of modern-day life.
Western culture places a lot of value on yang-like qualities such as productivity, working hard and achieving external success. This can certainly assist us in realizing our goals and desires - however, when out of balance it can cause stress, exhaustion, anxiety and depression. We must remember to balance this with yin qualities also, such as taking time to slow down, relax and appreciate the present moment. A regular yin yoga practice is an excellent way to achieve this balance.
2. It will dissolve physical stress and tension.
If you have ever spent too long at your computer and felt stiff and sore in your shoulders after, then you know what physical tension feels like. We often think these knots occur in the muscles of our body, but actually they form in the connective tissue or fascia. One of the main benefits of yin yoga is that it works directly on the fascia and the long-held poses allow a deep release of any tightness and a feeling of ease and lightness with regular practice.
3. It will cure your addiction to "doing".
Every "asana" or posture in yin yoga is held from 3 to 8 minutes, which is a significant period of time dedicated to being still and aware of the breath. This can feel difficult if you are not accustomed to "doing nothing", but over time you will be able to simply surrender and just "be", and your body and mind will be able to relax deeply. It is a good segue into traditional forms of seated meditation also.
4. It will complement your other workouts.
Most types of exercise such as swimming, walking, jogging and lifting weights can be classified as yang in nature due to their focus on strength, stamina and repetitive movements. While certainly important for muscle tone and cardiovascular health, they can also cause joint damage, injury and tightness in certain areas, such as the hamstrings for runner. Yin yoga can deeply stretch these areas out and minimise the risk of injury as well as assist in developing an understanding and deeper awareness of the body's inherent limitations.
5. It will improve your attitude to life and make you a calmer person.
Perhaps the most powerful benefits of yin yoga is the way it will slowly change your attitude to your life in general. You will develop qualities of patience, acceptance and compassion towards your body within the poses, and these same qualities will show up in your daily life as well. From becoming more tolerant to people who ordinarily frustrate you to taking better care of yourself and being able to live more in the moment, yin yoga will slowly change your life from the inside out.
All things in life, including yoga or other forms of exercise, can be classed as yin or yang according to their basic qualities. There are styles of yoga (Bikram or Ashtanga for example) that are more yang-like, with their emphasis on strength and heat-building, dynamic poses. Yin yoga however, is totally different, with an emphasis on longer-held poses primarily done on the floor and the cultivation of mindfulness and surrender. I have experienced yin yoga to be a truly life-changing practice, here are 5 reasons to give it a go:
1. It will help you to cope with the stresses of modern-day life.
Western culture places a lot of value on yang-like qualities such as productivity, working hard and achieving external success. This can certainly assist us in realizing our goals and desires - however, when out of balance it can cause stress, exhaustion, anxiety and depression. We must remember to balance this with yin qualities also, such as taking time to slow down, relax and appreciate the present moment. A regular yin yoga practice is an excellent way to achieve this balance.
2. It will dissolve physical stress and tension.
If you have ever spent too long at your computer and felt stiff and sore in your shoulders after, then you know what physical tension feels like. We often think these knots occur in the muscles of our body, but actually they form in the connective tissue or fascia. One of the main benefits of yin yoga is that it works directly on the fascia and the long-held poses allow a deep release of any tightness and a feeling of ease and lightness with regular practice.
3. It will cure your addiction to "doing".
Every "asana" or posture in yin yoga is held from 3 to 8 minutes, which is a significant period of time dedicated to being still and aware of the breath. This can feel difficult if you are not accustomed to "doing nothing", but over time you will be able to simply surrender and just "be", and your body and mind will be able to relax deeply. It is a good segue into traditional forms of seated meditation also.
4. It will complement your other workouts.
Most types of exercise such as swimming, walking, jogging and lifting weights can be classified as yang in nature due to their focus on strength, stamina and repetitive movements. While certainly important for muscle tone and cardiovascular health, they can also cause joint damage, injury and tightness in certain areas, such as the hamstrings for runner. Yin yoga can deeply stretch these areas out and minimise the risk of injury as well as assist in developing an understanding and deeper awareness of the body's inherent limitations.
5. It will improve your attitude to life and make you a calmer person.
Perhaps the most powerful benefits of yin yoga is the way it will slowly change your attitude to your life in general. You will develop qualities of patience, acceptance and compassion towards your body within the poses, and these same qualities will show up in your daily life as well. From becoming more tolerant to people who ordinarily frustrate you to taking better care of yourself and being able to live more in the moment, yin yoga will slowly change your life from the inside out.
About the Author:
Sharee James is a qualified naturopath and a yoga and meditation instructor. Try a short introductory yin yoga class and enjoy the peace of yin yoga for yourself!
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