Yin yoga has become one of the most important parts of my routine, offering stillness, mindfulness, and deep physical release. But I have to be honest—when I first learned about Yin, I was completely uninterested. I thought it sounded slow, boring, and not at all like the kind of movement I enjoyed.
Then, one day, I accidentally ended up in a Yin class after misreading my yoga studio’s schedule. I had expected a power yoga class but decided to stay and give it a try. At first, it felt different from what I was used to, but as the class went on, I started to appreciate the stillness and deep stretches. It turned out to be exactly what my body needed, and from that day on, I kept coming back.
The Daoist Roots of Yin Yoga
Yin yoga is deeply rooted in Daoist philosophy, which embraces the balance of opposites—yin and yang. Yang represents action, heat, and intensity, while Yin is about surrender, softness, and introspection. In traditional Chinese thought, harmony is found when these energies are in balance, and Yin yoga provides a much-needed counterpoint to the fast-paced, high-energy tendencies of modern life.
Targeting the Fascia: The Power of Stillness
One of the things I love most about Yin yoga is how it works with the body’s connective tissues—fascia, tendons, and ligaments—rather than just muscles. By holding poses for extended periods (typically 3-5 minutes or more), we apply gentle stress to these tissues, helping to improve their elasticity and hydration. Over time, this enhances mobility, joint health, and overall flexibility.
Unlike the flowing movements of Vinyasa or the structured alignment of Hatha, Yin asks us to surrender into a pose, using gravity and breath rather than muscular effort. This makes it accessible to people of all activity levels—whether you’re an athlete looking to release tightness or someone who spends long hours at a desk and needs to counteract stiffness.
What makes Yin so powerful isn’t how it looks—it’s how it feels. There’s a shift that happens as you settle into stillness. At first, you might notice resistance, tension, or the urge to adjust. But then, something softens. The body lets go in layers, revealing just how much you’ve been holding. This is where the true work begins—not in force, but in allowing.
Yin Yoga and Mindfulness
Beyond the physical benefits, Yin yoga is a deeply meditative practice. Holding stillness for several minutes challenges the mind as much as the body. It teaches patience, self-awareness, and how to sit with discomfort—both physical and mental. Each pose becomes an opportunity to observe the breath, notice habitual thought patterns, and cultivate a sense of inner calm.
And I won’t lie—sometimes Yin is hard because of that stillness. When I first started, I’d catch my mind racing, wondering how much longer we had left in a pose. But over time, I learned to embrace the quiet, to trust the process, and to find peace in the pause.
A Practice for Every Body
Whether you’re highly active and need a restorative counterbalance, or you lead a more stationary lifestyle and want to encourage mobility, Yin Yoga meets you where you are. It’s a practice that requires no experience, no flexibility, and no expectation—just a willingness to be still and present.
For me, Yin yoga is more than just a form of exercise; it’s a sanctuary. It’s a practice of deep listening, a pathway to both physical and emotional release, and a reminder that slowing down is not a weakness, but a strength.
If you haven’t tried Yin yet, I encourage you to roll out your mat, settle into a pose, and see what unfolds in the quiet spaces between breaths. You might fall in love with it, too—even if, like me, you didn’t expect to.
Practice With Me
If you’re curious about Yin yoga and want to experience it in a more personal setting, I offer private in-home Yin yoga sessions designed to meet you exactly where you are. Whether you’re looking for deep relaxation, improved mobility, or just a space to slow down and breathe, I’d love to help you cultivate your own Yin practice.
I also teach Yin yoga every Sunday at 9:00 AM and 10:15 AM at NXGen Portland, so if you’re looking for a space to move, breathe, and restore in a welcoming community, come flow with me!
