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".
Everything in life, including yoga or other forms of exercise, can be classified as yin or yang depending on their inherent nature. Ashtanga and Bikram yoga for example, are considered to be yang forms of yoga, due to their emphasis on strong, dynamic poses that require fitness and endurance. Yin yoga however, is completely different, with a focus on long-held 'asanas' done sitting or lying on the floor with a calm, mindful attitude. Yin yoga may appear simple on the surface, but it is a deep and rich practice than can slowly enhance all areas of your life. Here are 5 reasons to try yin yoga today:
1. It will help you to cope with the stresses of modern-day life.
Western culture is a very "yang culture", with its emphasis on go-getting, striving and achieving. While certainly useful for realizing external success and achievement, the downside is that it can lead to stress, burn-out and mental health issues. We must remember to balance a yang-based life with yin qualities as well, such as taking time to slow down, be still and relax deeply. A regular yin yoga practice is a great counter-balance to a fast-paced life.
2. It will dissolve chronic tension stored in your body.
If you have ever spent too long at your desk and felt pain and stiffness in your neck and back afterwards, then you know what physical tension is! We often think these kinks arise in our muscles, but really, they form in the connective tissue or fascia. One of the number one boons of yin yoga is that it works specifically on the fascia and the long duration of the postures enable a deep release of any contractions in the fascia and a feeling of looseness and spaciousness in the body.
3. It will help you to shift gears from "doing" to "being".
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.
Running, swimming, sports and working out at the gym are all "yang" forms of movement due to their repetitive, forceful nature. While very important for strength and fitness, they can also lead to joint wear and tear, injury and habitual tightness in specific areas of the body. Yin yoga can deeply stretch tight areas and reduce the risk of injury as well as help to cultivate an awareness and acceptance of the body's natural limitations.
5. It will change your attitude to life for the better.
Definitely the most powerful benefit of an ongoing yin yoga practice is how it can slowly change your attitude to, and experience of, life in general. As you begin to cultivate patience, acceptance and compassion towards your body in the long-held poses, these same qualities will also arise in your daily life as well. From becoming more tolerant with difficult people who would normally drive you nuts, to being more compassionate and accepting of yourself, yin yoga will transform your outlook on life for the better.
Everything in life, including yoga or other forms of exercise, can be classified as yin or yang depending on their inherent nature. Ashtanga and Bikram yoga for example, are considered to be yang forms of yoga, due to their emphasis on strong, dynamic poses that require fitness and endurance. Yin yoga however, is completely different, with a focus on long-held 'asanas' done sitting or lying on the floor with a calm, mindful attitude. Yin yoga may appear simple on the surface, but it is a deep and rich practice than can slowly enhance all areas of your life. Here are 5 reasons to try yin yoga today:
1. It will help you to cope with the stresses of modern-day life.
Western culture is a very "yang culture", with its emphasis on go-getting, striving and achieving. While certainly useful for realizing external success and achievement, the downside is that it can lead to stress, burn-out and mental health issues. We must remember to balance a yang-based life with yin qualities as well, such as taking time to slow down, be still and relax deeply. A regular yin yoga practice is a great counter-balance to a fast-paced life.
2. It will dissolve chronic tension stored in your body.
If you have ever spent too long at your desk and felt pain and stiffness in your neck and back afterwards, then you know what physical tension is! We often think these kinks arise in our muscles, but really, they form in the connective tissue or fascia. One of the number one boons of yin yoga is that it works specifically on the fascia and the long duration of the postures enable a deep release of any contractions in the fascia and a feeling of looseness and spaciousness in the body.
3. It will help you to shift gears from "doing" to "being".
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.
Running, swimming, sports and working out at the gym are all "yang" forms of movement due to their repetitive, forceful nature. While very important for strength and fitness, they can also lead to joint wear and tear, injury and habitual tightness in specific areas of the body. Yin yoga can deeply stretch tight areas and reduce the risk of injury as well as help to cultivate an awareness and acceptance of the body's natural limitations.
5. It will change your attitude to life for the better.
Definitely the most powerful benefit of an ongoing yin yoga practice is how it can slowly change your attitude to, and experience of, life in general. As you begin to cultivate patience, acceptance and compassion towards your body in the long-held poses, these same qualities will also arise in your daily life as well. From becoming more tolerant with difficult people who would normally drive you nuts, to being more compassionate and accepting of yourself, yin yoga will transform your outlook on life for the better.
About the Author:
Sharee James is a qualified naturopath and a yoga and meditation teacher. Try a short introductory yin yoga class and experience the benefits of yin yoga for yourself!
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