Prior to leaving the US, Vinyasa and Anusara yoga were the main components of my regular asana practice. Yin Yoga is a style of yoga that involves holding the poses for a longer time in order to allow the body to receive deeper benefits. While yang yoga, or faster moving yoga, often is structured around a peak pose with a goal to attain, yin yoga presents the challenge of showing up and being present. As we sit with each pose, connective tissues and fascia slowly heat and soften. Most asanas in a yin yoga class are held for a minimum of three minutes, and up to as long as twenty minutes. Sitting with the poses allows us to watch the reactions in our mind and gives us practice in simply being present.
