Yin yoga gets its name from the concept of "Yin" and "Yang," which are fundamental principles in traditional Chinese philosophy, particularly in Taoism. Yin and Yang represent two opposing, yet complementary, forces that are interconnected and interdependent.
Journaling Prompts for Spring Time. Growth and the Wood Element vibes
Spring time from a Chinese Philosophical perspective, is tied to growth, expansion and the wood element. I wrote an earlier blog post about the topic in more detail, see link below. But the gist is in the spring time, things start to grow, blossom and flourish.
Spring Time is all about Growth and the Wood Element
Spring time means warmer weather ahead, more sunlight, and more time outdoors. Especially if you’re more north like I am in Canada, we can’t wait for warmer weather after being cooped up all winter. March 20th marked the first day of spring in 2021. Spring time is literally a time when everything starts to grow and flourish around us. The winter thaw begins as the snow melts away, and the landscape starts to change. Under the brown grass, little green grass starts to sprout and slowly creep up to surface…
Winter Time is the Most “Yin” Time
Winter time is the the most “Yin”, time. The days get shorter, we start to live more in the dark literally, less sun time, especially if you are where I am in the northern hemisphere. The temperature outside gets colder, we want to retreat indoors, slow down, sleep more and drink warm drinks, even cozy up next to a fire or under a heated blanket to gain heat we are losing.
We go inside in a literal sense and a figurative sense.
We move inwards.
I’m a Recovering Perfectionist.
I’m a recovering perfectionist, and an aspiring “good enoughist”
Brené Brown
Striving to be a perfectionist all the time is difficult and so much work! I now resonate with the above quote from the book on “The Gifts of imperfection‘s” by Brené.
That’s one thing getting older has taught me. Is that sometimes my efforts are just good enough.
Yang vs. Yin Yoga
When comparing yang versus yin styles of yoga the practice are relative opposites.
YIN YOGA is more passive in nature, introspective and a relatively still practice.
Yang styles of yoga are more dynamic, moving in and out of one posture to another. Working and engaging the muscles.
The Subtle, yet Powerful Effect of Yin Yoga. My story.
I’ve been practicing yin yoga for over 5 years now, teaching it now for 4 years. When I first started the practice I thought it was so hard. Being still (relatively), holding postures which were mostly floor based for a set time. Even though the practice looks simple, as you don’t really move dynamically from pose to pose, instead you’re holding postures in what appears to be “easy” positions where
Connection and community when practicing online yoga
With the increase of online yoga in the last few months, I’ve heard many of my friends and students say I miss seeing you and talking to you before and after a yoga class. The face to face is missing right now during these unprecedented times, but will eventually return.
When we connect with someone in person, face to face, no one will argue the connection is better than online. But there are ways we can still create a sense of connection and community virtually and in the online yoga world.