![]() There are four main principles of Yin Yoga. Take some time to practice this sequence in its entirety, or select a few postures to complement your other activities. The following sequence involves all planes of movement, including postures that target the Lung and Large Intestine meridians (inner and outer lines of the arms), to promote seasonal balance and overall harmony. Yin Yoga is a system that can enhance the energy body, moving us toward a more balanced state. The relationship between the Chinese Elements is one way to promote balance within the changing dynamics of seasonal change, bringing harmony and flow to life. If Lung/Metal energy is weak, it can be difficult to let go and navigate the inevitable transience of life, which then produces prolonged melancholy and sadness. ![]() ![]() In the physical sense, these organs work concurrently in receiving and releasing. Metal in the organ system is represented by the Lungs and Large Intestine. This is a period where we may crave more sleep and gravitate toward warm and nourishing foods, and pay more attention to our inner landscape. Metal qualities are associated with the way energy condenses, moves downward, and slows to stillness. In Five Element Theory of Chinese Medicine, autumn is the season of the element Metal. We too, innately shift from the external, expansive yang quality of spring and summer, and ease into an internal, reflective state of being. The trees shed their leaves, drawing their energy inward. The ascendancy of Yin consuming the fiery Yang of summer is palpable. In the practical lessons nature has to teach us, we witness the dwindling light of each passing day, cooler temperatures, and drier air. The energy of this season marks the end of one phase of growth and regeneration, and moves into the phase of harvesting, storing, and preparing for the colder months ahead. This practice reminds me that at my core, I am the Sun, and that all my thoughts are just clouds passing by.The greens of summer have given way to a brilliance of red, orange, and gold. The sun was always there, even if I couldn’t see it. When I experience that freedom, it’s like a cloudy sky parting to let a sliver of sunlight through. In those moments I don’t take things so personally, I don’t judge myself, I don’t get anxious, and I don’t need things to be a certain way. But, when I do have those moments of clarity, I notice the shift. And one that I fail at more often than not. Yoga (the practice of freeing myself from the overwhelm in my mind) is a daily effort. For many people, a physical yoga practice becomes a gateway for developing a meditation practice, and it is in trying to do this that I have experienced some of the most freeing moments in my life. Being attentive to the sensations in our muscles and of breath moving in and out of us means that we don’t have as much mental space for negative thoughts to enter. Stepping onto the mat helps us focus in on our bodies and breath. ![]() When I first studied to become a yoga teacher, I learned that yoga is more than just stretching in different poses, however, that is a wonderful place to start. Getting off this mental merry-go-round isn’t always easy, and that’s where yoga can help. They seem to take over, spilling into every facet of life. And when we’re in a mental tailspin, it becomes hard to recognize that thoughts are not who we are. One of the Yoga Sutras (written guidelines to help explain the aim of a yoga practice) states that “Yoga is the cessation of the modifications of the mind.” Basically, it means that sometimes we find ourselves overwhelmed with thoughts, worries, feelings, etc. Through my exploration of this ancient practice, I realized yoga’s biggest gift to me is freedom of mind. And over the last few years, as I committed more regularly to my yoga practice, I started to realize that there is another kind of freedom that I can give myself if I choose to work at it. Some of these freedoms are available to me because of the hard work and sacrifice of others, for which I have deep gratitude. Specifically, that I live in a place and time period where I enjoy many freedoms. ![]() As Independence Day quickly approaches (next week already?!) I have spent some time reflecting on the concept of freedom. ![]()
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