Yin Yoga

Throughout the month of April, I am thrilled to have the opportunity of teaching Community Yin Yoga at Peace in Piermont. Sharing the practice of Yin Yoga is very nourishing. It provides an outlet to slow down, to connect with one’s self, and to connect to others.

I love helping others explore within themselves. Yin is a great way to explore our boundaries, both internal and external. When I think of yin yoga, softening is the adjective that comes to mind. The extended holds in yin allow our fascia and bodies to soften and relax. Fascia is connective tissue and is responsible for, among many other things, holding our muscle fibers together and providing structure to our bodies.

Fascia holds muscles together as casing does for sausage. We need fascia in our bodies. One of the interesting things about fascia is that it can collect and harden in certain areas; this may cause tension or pain. If we constantly hold certain postures, the fascia can reinforce these areas. For example if you work on the computer all day, you may find that the shoulders or back can become stiff or tight. These sensations let us know that our bodies need some love. 

One of the best ways to work with fascia and soften it is through Yin Yoga. We do this by countering the movement and postures that we naturally hold throughout the day. After we position ourselves for opening and softening, we let gravity help us ease into the pose. Gravity helps us soften without using force. Being gentle with the physical body means we are not tensing up, grimacing, or pushing through extremely uncomfortable movements. This allows our parasympathetic nervous system to relax. We want to love on the areas of our body that are here to hold us together; this is done gradually and with a soft touch.  

How often do we give ourselves permission to relax, slow down, rest, restore, and soften? I believe what we are missing is the ability to relax and rest with the same intensity that most of us apply to work, exercise and/or making money. Creating space and freedom in our bodies can help us create space in our minds, thoughts and feelings. When we begin the process of releasing, our bodies feel lighter and looser; yin helps us free our spirits and open our hearts to the beauty life has to offer.

Join me every Tuesday in April from 7:00-8:15pm for free Community Yin Classes via Zoom. Click here to register.

Namaste, love + softness,

Jamie