YIN Yoga Practice

Hello and welcome! My name is Jeana, and I'm one of the yoga guides at Badlands Yoga. Today, I'm thrilled that you've stumbled upon this 20-minute snippet of Yin Yoga practice. Typically, I lead sessions on Zoom at Badlands Yoga every Thursday at 8:00 PM Mountain Time (9:00 PM Central). Join me live if you can, or check out Badlands Healing Yoga for more videos tailored just for you, wherever you are.
So, what is Yin Yoga? It's a slower practice, typically seated or reclined, using props like blankets, bolsters, or even chairs to support your body. In a Yin Yoga class, we hold postures for longer durations, usually between three to five minutes. Today, we'll explore shorter holds to introduce you to the practice.
In Yin Yoga, we focus on meridians, energy pathways in the body aligned with different seasons. Currently, we're in summer, associated with the heart and small intestine meridians. This practice helps us stay cool and balanced amidst the heat and energy of summer.
Let's begin seated comfortably, perhaps on a bolster or blanket, aligning head over heart and heart over pelvis. Close your eyes if comfortable, allowing my voice to guide your breath. Inhale deeply, feeling the breath enter your body. Exhale completely, letting go of tension. Continue this natural breathing pattern, focusing on the sensation of breath as it nourishes and calms you.
Our first posture today will be a seated twist. Sit cross-legged with your right leg under and left leg over. Adjust as needed with blocks or props to support your knees or hips. Find stillness and focus on your breath for a minute, allowing yourself to settle into the pose.
Extend your arms out to a T-shape. Inhale deeply, then exhale, twisting to the left. Right hand reaches towards the ceiling, bending at the elbow, left hand extends to the right, palm facing out. Hold this position, feeling the stretch along the heart meridian. Breathe into any sensations of openness or tension, allowing your body to soften with each exhale.
After a minute, slowly return to center, then repeat on the opposite side. Remember, each side of your body may feel different, so adjust props as needed to maintain comfort and alignment.
Next, we'll move into a reclined butterfly pose. Lie back with feet together and knees apart. Support your knees with bolsters or blocks if desired, allowing your chest to open. Close your eyes, return to your breath, and surrender to the support beneath you.
Stay in reclined butterfly for a few minutes, breathing deeply and releasing any tension with each exhale. This pose helps to open the heart center and release blockages in the heart meridian, promoting emotional and physical well-being.
Finish with Savasana (Corpse Pose). Extend your legs, arms by your sides, palms facing up. Close your eyes and relax deeply into the mat. Allow the benefits of your practice to integrate fully into your body and mind.
**Thank you for joining me today. I invite you to join our full-hour Yin Yoga sessions
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