Yin yoga is an increasingly popular style of practicing. The reality is that many of us lead fast-paced, demanding and intensely stressful lives. We are so familiar with tension and tightness that rarely do we consciously realise the deep need for relaxing and releasing – for ways of reducing the significant stress that we experience.

Yin yoga gives us the space to slow down and stay with our experiences rather than always rushing and striving to achieve. In yin yoga, we create shapes where we can experience the awareness of intelligence: body mind heart. Shapes where we stay for several minutes; aspiring to balance neither too neutral nor too striving. Shapes where we can soften and grow.

Through this stillness cultivated in a yin practice, we can become aware of the various sensations within the body and the fluctuations of mind, emotions and breath. This brings a sense of harmony and peace: so there is a greater ease, a deeper sense of balance, feelings of calmness and acceptance. The Yin practice invites us to explore our inner landscape with qualities of self-reflection, acceptance and equanimity. We learn to pay attention to what is, as it is with an attitude of kindness.

Life is precious and a practice such as this can give us space for appreciating the great privilege of being this body. Yin Yoga is beneficial and suitable for all levels of practitioner.