Yin Yoga Workshops

"The modern world is very yang; life should be a balance between competition and compassion, between ambition and contentment. But this balance has been lost... Yin yoga can help bring balance to an overly yang lifestyle." - Paul Grilley, author of Yin Yoga.

Usually when we think of yoga, we bring to mind an active movement practice that relies on muscular engagement, and often a rather striving approach (although our policy at YATM is to take any pushing, achieving elements out of our yoga).

There are huge benefits to an active yoga practice, but – as with everything, to maintain balance and harmony – it is important to remember the other side of the coin; the yin with the yang.

Yin yoga is the exact opposite of dynamic yoga. In a yin yoga practice, all the postures are taken sitting, and are held for a far longer period of time, often for some minutes.

For many postures, we make use of bolsters, blankets, blocks and lavender eye pillows, to allow optimum support for the body - and a safe space in which the mind can also begin to settle.

As we hold the yin poses for some time, we are encouraged to soften, open, both physical and mentally.

Whilst the body's connective tissue is very gently stretched, our minds are invited to quieten, and we can move towards a place of equanimity and calmness.

Our use of the word 'yin' in this context indicates an approach and attitude of mind (gentle, receptive, soft) rather than a particular style or association with a specfic teacher.