What Yin Yoga Means to Me...

Blue Lagoon - Iceland 2019

What is Yin Yoga?

Everything in the universe is transmutable. Simply put, energy can not be created or destroyed. It simply changes form. 

There is a direct relationship between your energy and the energy that surrounds you. The interaction between the energetic patterns of the macrocosm (greater), and microcosm (lesser), directly influences your thoughts, behavior, health and overall life experience. Therefore, it behooves you to take a mindful approach in your daily activities, how you design your environment, and those you choose to interact with – one of the three jewels depicted by the Buddha referred to as a (Sangha). 

The importance of the aforementioned is paramount on your earthly journey to self-realization. Yin yoga is one of the many tools you can utilize on your path to enlightenment, and in my opinion, is an invaluable tool especially in today’s culture and climate. The increasingly rapid pace of life causes problems for your physical, mental, spiritual and relationship health. Most of us are caught up in the rat race, keeping crazy routines that leave us no time for rest and relaxation. 

Yin yoga encourages you to slow down, to pay attention and deepen your awareness between your body and your mind. It is a practice that enables you to become aware of these subtle sensations that may or may not arise. Simply put, it is a practice that focuses on maintaining your presence – to be in the here and now. 

Unlike other yoga disciplines, yin yoga aims to target the deeper structures of the physical body such as the ligaments, connective tissue, tendons, and fascia. This is the market difference between other forms of yoga. I like to see it as a cross-link to an awakened spirit delving past the outer layers (koshas) to authentic self. In the process, you have the opportunity to cultivate awareness of inner silence, and connect to the light within.

Yin yoga in many respects can challenge the ego (ahamkara), the aspect of me or mine. I say this, as many tend to formulate an initial impression of this static practice as too easy. This of course is the ego jumping to conclusions, and in my mind, is actually to the contrary. Yin yoga challenges both the mind and body. It reconditions the mind and body to settle down, to be still, and to be with what is. It is a practice to discover your path forward to recognize and release the patterns and emotions that hold you back and by breaking through these barriers, you are able to discover a deeper level of your being and the world around you. 

Yin yoga is a practice that has the capacity to transform your body, mind and spirit – a   reconnection to your true self, and a way to discover who you are meant to be and what you are meant to be doing.

Om!

Mary Jane

www.fengshuiyoganj.com