What is Yin Yoga?
We offer Yin Yoga classes each week on Wednesdays and Fridays, 12– 1 pm. Read about this beloved practice from our teachers!
Luke “Tt” King teaches on Fridays 12–1 pm.
From Luke
Yin is such a beloved practice to me. I see it as an opportunity to slow down in a busy world, and to really be able to meet ourselves lovingly.
Different from restorative where the goal is relaxation, Yin is an opportunity to meet mild stress (like stretching!) from a breathable place, hang out for a while, and then relish in the gifts of transformation. Postures are held for a number of minutes, are all on the ground, and have endless modifications for different bodies.
I'm endlessly humbled by the reality that, by being still and attentive, we can recover from many things. I am in awe of the power of getting together, being still, and being aware, and have been truly moved by every Yin class I have been in/taught. I hope that students will leave with a sense of this power, hope, and relief. As a teacher I also recognize that slowing down can be stressful or frustrating for many students, and as a result, try to include tools that help ease what Josh Summers referred to as a 'bitter practice with sweet results' !
From Erin
Yin yoga is a quiet practice that encourages acceptance and relaxation.
Erin Haenlin teaches on Wednesdays 12–1 pm.
I offer poses as a way to target, or stretch, a specific area of the body with an intention of balancing the whole organism. I suggest a few variations or propping setups for common comfort or pain points, and allow some time to settle in and adjust based on how it feels in the moment. Poses that feel safe and comfortable are held between 3 and 5 minutes (or more or less) in which time the muscles in the target area relax bit by bit. I'll often offer ball work as an additional way to connect to and relax the body.
The most interesting thing that I've learned through the Yin practice is that we all have a slightly different bone structure. Because of this it's important not to get caught up in what the pose looks like, but instead what the pose feels like. Based on how things feel we get to adjust or change the shape entirely.
The magical element of time in the Yin practice allows us to:
Observe and investigate deeper patterns and habits in our physical and subtle bodies
Rest and replenish energy reserves
Notice and experience that support is all around us
Evolve, adapt and grow
I’m hopeful that participants can unwind and move into the rest of the day feeling more connected to themselves, others, and the world around us.