Newsletter #2 - TWO YIN YOGA PRACTICES: 20 and 40 minutes    Newsletter #1 - Deep Meditation and Intentions

Mid-March, 2012 TWO YIN YOGA PRACTICES: 20 and 40 minutes (with pictures from Bernie Clark's new book The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga.) Today I am delighted to introduce you to Yin Yoga. Since I moved to Vancouver from Montreal I have had to make many changes inside to match the changes around me: language, climate, culture, work ... Of course my daily meditation practice has been of a great support to me: one of the biggest challenges is to stay balanced, to stay centered, in the middle of all these new physical and mental challenges. At the beginning of last year I was trying to maintain my asana practice the way it’s been for many years: a very active and muscular one, very yang-like. But I soon realized that my body, especially my right hip, was giving me some sign of resistance - I had to listen. The message was clear: my body needs to slow down. So I gradually adapted my practice and ultimately changed half of it for a deeper and softer practice: Yin Yoga. Quite soon my physical discomfort greatly reduced and my body found its harmony. I am still walking on that new path and wanted to share with you this lesson, which is of great value: Yang needs Yin and vice versa. I wish to share with you the following two practices: the first one lasts 20 minutes, and I really like doing it before my morning meditation. The second practice is 40 minutes long. You can easily adapt both practices to your needs. Please wear comfortable and warm clothes, practice on an empty stomach or wait at least two hours after a meal. Keep in mind these 3 principles during your practice: 1 - Come into the pose to the point where you feel just enough sensations or resistance in the body. Instead of going as deep as possible, give your body a chance to open and invite you to go deeper. 2 - Settle into the pose and practice stillness. Commit to be still unless you experience pain or struggle, in which case reduce the depth of the pose, or if appropriate, accept the invitation of the body to go deeper. 3 - Stay in the pose for the indicated time. Feel, breathe, and let go. This type of yoga is certainly meditative. Be kind enough to write back to me to share your experience, comments, or to ask any questions. I am available on Skype and by phone at your convenience. YIN YOGA - 20 MINUTES YIN YOGA - 40 MINUTES