Reading Goals: Read the Elemental Asanas section of the book
Extra Credit: Try an Elemental Yin Yang practice
In the next section of the book we explore some of the more common Yin and Yang postures that make up the physical practice of Elemental Yin Yang Yoga.
One of the most important features of this practice is actually the order we practice the sequence in.
Why Yang Flow Before Yin Postures?
The yang flow in this style of yoga comes before the long-held yin poses. Although in some schools of yoga, yin is practiced without any warming of the muscles, over the years I have found this to be less optimal for two reasons.
The first is physical.
The average person who lives life moving from their seat in the car, to their desk chair at work, to their sofa at night, may not have the mobility to jump into a long held posture that puts stress on their joints, tendons and ligaments without first warming up.
Those who are hyper-mobile on the other hand probably may need to avoid “opening” themselves further and thus long-held postures in a cold body may further strain or stretch areas that truly will not benefit the practitioner in the long run.
Practicing a yang flow before any long-held yin postures is also a way I help to “warm up” awareness and the tools my students need in order to let go. In our fast paced culture it can be difficult to expect a room full of people to walk in the door, unroll their mat and be still in postures for a long period of time.
Many students need some time to flush the frantic energy or stress of their day before they can attempt to “let go” physically, mentally or otherwise. The yang flow allows this transition to occur so that when the yin series begins, both the body and the mind are more open to settle into a slow pace.
For those of you who registered for this bookclub, you can access a practice to show you first hand the structure of an Elemental Yin Yang practice. It have already emailed you a class toexperiment with.
Questions and Discussion Ideas
1) PIck one Element and try a few of the postures for Yin and Yang. Do you notice the difference between energetic output?
2) Pick one Element and brainstorm other postures that might support the theme of the element as you understand it.
3) Practice a 1 hour Elemental practice. Choose an element, pick a theme and split your time between flowing yang poses and long held yin poses. Don't forget to give yourself at least a 10 minute savasana.
