Finding Stillness in Yin Yoga
On the surface of it, yin yoga looks quite straightforward. You manoeuvre yourself into a position and stay there for a bit of time before moving onto the next pose. And yes, yin can be exactly like that. But if this is all you see when you approach the practice you’re missing out on a whole lot more. Read on to learn how finding stillness in yin yoga can benefit you in so many different ways.
Key ideas
One of the key elements of yin yoga is the encouragement to find stillness within the pose. The science here suggests that the fascia we are working with benefits from being stressed for a length of time. Holding a position in yin yoga we target a specific area of the body. This encourages a lengthening of the tissues, creating more space when we move out of the pose. The challenge is to come into the position and find the elusive stillness which allows the magic to happen.
Stillness in Yin Yoga – the body
For some this stillness will be in the form of arriving in the pose and not moving. The rule of resolving to remain motionless can be freeing to some. As we spend much of our days busily moving from position to position. The idea of staying still offers a sense of freedom even though we are applying a boundary of not moving. Other people may find this idea of being completely motionless too much.
Top Tip – When you first enter a yin yoga pose, take some time to settle into the pose. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure you can remain in the position without fidgeting. Come into the pose at 60% of your maximum effort. There’s always space to deepen the pose later on with yin!
The breath
We can also explore stillness of the breath. By placing our focus on the action of respiration and allowing this to guide us through the practice. When the breath is still there is little effort in breathing. The inhales and exhales come naturally, perhaps with a slightly longer exhale the more we settle into the physical position. The breath offers a natural gauge, telling us immediately if we have gone too far too soon in a position. But if we tune in enough, the breath can also invite us to move a little more deeply. Remaining with the breath, takes the experience of yin yoga to a new level. Familiar poses take on new meaning when we explore them through this filter.
Top Tip – When you have settled the body in your yin yoga position, take your attention to the breath. Start to count the breaths – inhale 1, exhale 1 etc. Continue all the way up to 10, then return to 1 and begin again. This can help you stay in the present moment with awareness and attention.
The mind
We can examine stillness through the lens of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. This text states that, ‘Yoga is the calming (stilling) of the fluctuations of the mind.’ By steadying the body and the breath we now have space to turn our attention to the mind. Stillness in the mind is possible when the body is comfortable and safe, and the breath calm and steady. Here we can watch the thoughts flit across the screen of our minds and choose to not become involved. It’s often our minds which are ready to come out of a pose in advance of the body. The mind has many methods to distract us from the discomfort of a long-held yin yoga pose. By tuning in we can harmonise body, breath and mind to reach the maximum benefit of our yin practice.
Top Tip – With a the breath calm and the body steady the mind will often follow along. At least for a short time! Be prepared for the mind to wander. When it does, practise compassion and kindness as you gently draw your attention back to the body, the breath.
The beauty of stillness in yin yoga
As I’ve learned more about yin yoga I’ve noticed I don’t need to be still in every position. When I find a physical position challenging in the body, I look to other ways I can embrace stillness. Calming the breath can shift my focus, helping me to remain present. It also encourages my thoughts to slow down, helping me to find space. Sometimes, shifting focus leads to a physical release where the body is able to find that little piece of stillness. But the true beauty is in coming back the next day and exploring what stillness means from a fresh perspective.
Next time you step onto your mat for a yin yoga session consider the idea of finding stillness. Begin with the body, move onto the breath and the work up to stilling the mind. These tips will help you deepen your yin yoga experience.
I teach a weekly Yin Yoga class and offer events throughout the year. You will also find a range of Yin Yoga classes for free over on my YouTube Channel.
