FLOW & YIN YOGA

--- FOR MEDITATORS  --- 

 WEDNESDAY AT 6:30-8:00 PM  

This class combines two styles of yoga and offers a weekly 'DHARMA TALK' for a unique practice experience. This is a slightly extended class that begins with simple sun salutation variations to warm-up the body. The class is first guided to flow at an easy, comfortable pace. Then, the Yin floorwork part of the practice slows things down to take the session deeper.  During the first 10-15 minutes of the Yin work the postures are accompanied by an inspirational reading and talk. The last half hour is in meditative silence. 

Those who find sitting in meditation difficult or uncomfortable will find Yin Yoga invaluable on many levels. An unfocused mind cannot find peace but Yin Yoga helps lengthen one's ability to remain still and focused by gently holding simple floor postures for an extended length of time (5 minutes) while turning inward.  The task of holding postures and holding a variety of postures gives the practitioner short successes at learning to be still. Then also holding these hip-opening postures is done in a way that does not use muscular effort. Instead the body relaxes and allows gravity and breath to open and gradually release the connective tissues of the hip joints. Stiff hips are a sign of energy blockage and Yin postures are the key to releasing these blockages. This style of yoga can significantly ease discomfort and increase overall flexibility thus making sitting in meditation for an extended period possible.  

Yin Yoga may be counterindicated for those with serious hip or knee injuries as the holds can be a strain on already compromised joints.