Comfort in discomfort

Find the ‘comfort in discomfort’ is a phrase you’ll often hear in a Yin yoga practice. Sometimes with little follow up or explanation as to what it actually means. This quote, commonly attributed to the Buddha, helps explain it. “In life, we can’t always control the...

Does Yin yoga cause stress?

Breaking news! Yin yoga DOES cause ‘stress’. But it’s not what you think. ‘Stress’ is an anatomical term for what we do to our connective tissues structures whilst we are in yoga poses and other forms of movement. Stress on the tissues occurs through...

To speak or not to speak

The question of how much to talk when teaching Yin yoga comes up without fail during my Yin yoga teacher trainings. Students are understandably curious about the value of words in the Yin classroom space. After all Yin is known as a ‘quiet practice’, so where does...

The 7 principles of a Yin Yoga practice

The 7 principles of Yin yoga practice have evolved from the 3 guiding principles of Yin yoga developed by international Yin Yoga teachers Sarah Powers and Bernie Clark. Since then these principles have been expanded upon by Joe Barnett, assistant to Paul Grilley, Yin...

4 reasons to rebound in Yin yoga

A rebound in Yin yoga refers to the time after a pose has been taken. Typically the student lies on their back or stomach and rests for a minute or two. It is also referred to resetting, rejuvenating, refreshing, recovery and returning to source amongst others. It is...

What creep means

The word ‘creep’ pops up in writings on Yin yoga from time to time, usually followed by a technical and physiological explanation that can make your head whirl. Creep has a range of meanings. Dependent on your business. Creep can be found in contexts such...