Siobhan's story: Integrating the Four Foundations of Yin Yoga
In the vibrant city of Cork, Ireland, amidst the hum of life, we find our Yin Yoga student, Siobhan. A devoted yoga practitioner with a thirst for knowledge, she had explored every style from power vinyasa to restorative yoga. Yet, despite her dedication, she often felt a void—a yearning for something deeper, something that transcended the frenetic pace of her daily life.
One afternoon, while perusing her favorite wellness blog, Siobhan stumbled upon a piece extolling the virtues of Yin Yoga. Intrigued, she felt a flicker of hope. Perhaps this was the missing link she had been searching for. With a newfound sense of purpose, Siobhan decided to immerse herself in this gentle yet profound practice, and she registered for our self-paced, on-demand training: Foundations of Anatomy + Yin Yoga.
First Foundation: Safety
As Siobhan began her journey into her self-paced Yin Yoga Foundations of Yin cert something clicked when she heard the cue: “Come into an appropriately aligned posture where you feel an appropriate degree of sensation in the target area.”
Siobhan took this to heart, recalling her often-overlooked tendency to push through discomfort. As she settled into the practice of Yin Yoga, she learned to listen to her body, discerning the sensations that arose. The key was discernment—recognizing the difference between a mild stretch and sharp pain. In that moment, she felt empowered, nurturing self-compassion as she played her edges wisely.
Ready to deepen your understanding of safety in your practice?
At the bottom, you can enroll in our special 5-week Foundations of Anatomy for Yin Yoga training and learn how to create a safe self-practice environment for yourself and your future students!
Now, from safety, to relaxation.
Second Foundation: Relaxation
With a sense of safety established, Siobhan then learned the second principle of Yin Yoga: relaxation. Following the guidance to consciously relax her muscles in the target area, Siobhan felt a wave of tension release, allowing the gentle forces of the pose to stimulate her fascia and connective tissues.
Many Yin Yoga teachers will say things like, “Yin Yoga targets the fascia, while Yang Yoga targets the muscles.” If you speak about Yin like this, you’re not alone. This is the language I once repeated for years myself, even as a Yin Yoga trainer.
But for 8 years now, at least, Terry and I have updated our language to reflect the emerging science on fascia, and one thing that researchers like Robert Schleip are showing is that it is impossible to isolate one tissue or one layer of tissue with any one kind of movement or stretch.
In other words, all movement and all forms of physical yoga will influence the fascia. The question is how?
Yang Yoga stimulates the fascia in a particular way, and Yin Yoga stimulates the fascia in a particular way. Our training covers the differences and gives you clear guidance on how to share this nuanced and evidence-based understanding with your students.
Now, back to Siobhan's story...
Sometimes, as she held each pose, her mind would wander to the chaos of her week (not uncommon for someone from Cork). Yet, with every breath, she learned to let go. The mini-savasanas between poses became moments of blissful serenity, where Siobhan could relish the stillness and quiet within her ever-busy mind.
Want to really understand the amazing ways that Yin Yoga uniquely influences your fascia for holistic health and well-being?
Terry and I can't wait for our special fall cohort, starting October 18.
But please lend me your ear a little longer for the final chapters of Siobhan's story.
Third Foundation: Receptivity
As her Yin Yoga training unfolded, Siobhan integrated the third foundation: receptivity. This principle, she said, transformed her understanding of stillness. “Cultivate receptivity towards stillness for time, but always honor your edge,” is the phrase she remembered distinctly.
Siobhan realized that receptivity wasn’t about remaining rigidly still; it was about being fluid and responsive to her body’s needs. She learned to honor the signals her body sent her—moving when necessary, adjusting when called to do so. It was a dance of awareness, where she could sink into the deep layers of her experience and embrace the transformative stress of each pose.
Are you ready to welcome the experience of receptivity in your practice?
Our last foundation is crucial, so I ask you to pay special notice here, my dear Yin enthusiast.
Receptivity without creativity is like Yin without...
Fourth Foundation: Creativity
Siobhan’s journey really culminated when she learned the fourth foundation: creativity. Siobhan found herself experimenting with different alignments, utilizing props in innovative ways, and varying the duration of her holds. Terry and I encourage this exploration, emphasizing that the wise action to be taken must be creatively discovered by each student, and we guide you in the art of discernment.
Through this creative play, Siobhan cultivated a deeper connection to her physical, energetic, and emotional self. She began to see Yin Yoga not just as a practice but as a canvas for self-expression and growth. With each session, she became more attuned to her body, fostering a profound sense of compassion and understanding.
Conclusion: The Value of the Journey
Reflecting on her journey, Siobhan realized that the Four Foundations of Yin Yoga—safety, relaxation, receptivity, and creativity—had transformed her practice and her life. Each foundation intertwined to create a holistic approach to wellness, guiding her toward a deeper understanding of herself.
Are you ready to embark on your own transformative journey?
Enroll in our special Fall Cohort for Foundations of Anatomy for Yin Yoga.
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