Yoga Journal, April 2003
[EDITORS’ CHOICE]
 Northern California teacher Sarah Powers is an exponent of Yin Yoga, a
technique developed by Paul Grilley (a student of Japanese yogi Hiroshi
Motoyama), author of Yin Yoga: Outline of a Quiet
Practice (White Cloud Press, 2002). According to Grilley, all yoga
practice (and exercise in general) can be divided into two types: active
and passive—what he calls yang and yin. Yang Yoga, which emphasizes
rhythmic movement and muscular contraction, includes such schools as Ashtanga
Yoga and so-called Power Yoga. Yin Yoga, conversely, is practiced passively
with soft muscles, holding each asana or asana-based exercise in the sequence
for several minutes. Its goal is to stretch the body's deep connective
tissues—the ligaments and fascia—to increase joint flexibility
and self-awareness. Many of us tend to focus just on the yang practice,
but Grilley maintains that yang and yin yogas are complements and that
we need to balance elements of both in our daily work.
Powers's two-hour session is divided into two, roughly equal sections.
The first covers the yin practice, with a half-dozen passive stretches
in Reclining Bound Angle (Supta Baddha Konasana), “Saddle Pose”
(similar to reclining Hero), a wide-knee Child's Pose, a cross-leg forward
bend, a wide-leg forward bend, and a reclining bent-knee twist. Each symmetrical
pose is held for five minutes, each asymmetrical pose for five minutes
on each side. The vinyasa—or what Grilley would call the yang practice—follows
the yin practice, and consists mostly of a linked sequence of familiar
standing poses.
Powers is a remarkable teacher. She has captivating presence and intelligent
delivery, with one of the most mesmerizing voices I've ever heard, which
intensifies the already meditative quality of the yin practice. She doesn't
provide much specific physical instruction during the yin practice; instead,
she uses it as a platform to detail the yin philosophy (bolstered by her
study of Buddhism and yoga philosophy), which in turn opens up new dimensions
of the poses. Of course, there’s nothing really new about holding
poses for timed periods; what you get here is a coherent explanation of
why you want to do this and what results you might expect from a dedicated
practice. Just remember though, you’ll need a long stretch of time
and—at least for the yin section—lots of patience to do this
session properly. But it’s an interesting approach that deserves
our close attention. Recommended for all levels of students.
|
|
$25 Yin & Vinyasa Yoga DVD |
| |
|
|
|
|
$9 International Shipping Charge
Please add this to your cart if ordering from outside North America. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
