Lessons in Yin

Yin Yoga can be understood through many maps, from East to West. In this lecture we explore Taoism and teachings from the Tao, and how they apply to Yin Yoga practice and teaching. We introduce key philosophical ideas that thread through Yin Yoga, explore the history of Yin, and clarify what Yin Yoga is and what it is not. Butterfly Pose is used as a foundational posture to embody these principles in a simple and accessible way.

Known as rest, resonance, sacred pause, rebound, or echo, the rebound is a ‘neutral’ pose where the effects of the previous posture can be absorbed. In the rebound we allow energy to circulate and the tissues to rest, without strong sensation in the target area. Rest, rebound, or resonance is one of the key ingredients that sets Yin Yoga apart from other styles of yoga.

Fascia is a body-wide, three-dimensional soft tissue system that is continuous in form, running from head to toe, front to back, and inside to outside, giving us our shape and support. One of the main aims of Yin Yoga is to gently stress and stimulate the connective tissue, of which fascia is a part, to support balance and harmony within the body. In this lecture we develop a broad understanding of fascia and explore its practical application in Yin Yoga.

Qi is often described as the animating force of life and is experienced through movement, circulation, and change within the body. In this lecture we explore qi as a felt experience rather than a concept to memorise, and introduce meridians as pathways that support this circulation. Through Yin postures, tension, compression, and the rebound, we examine how practice influences the movement and responsiveness of qi.

Pranayama forms a bridge between the physical body and the more subtle layers of experience, using the breath as a vehicle to influence prana and regulate the nervous system. In this lecture we explore basic lung anatomy, breath awareness, and practical approaches to teaching pranayama. Attention is given to how different breathing patterns affect the nervous system, and how breath practices can be integrated into Yin Yoga in a safe and accessible way.

Meditation and Yin Yoga share the same foundations of stillness, attention, and awareness. In this lecture we explore basic aspects of the mind and clarify the difference between meditation and mindfulness. Teachers are introduced to simple, accessible meditation and breath practices that can be woven into Yin classes, supporting integration and presence without overcomplicating the experience.

Cueing is a subtle art that develops through awareness and practice. In this lecture we explore how language shapes experience in Yin Yoga, including what to say, when to speak, and when to remain silent. Using the koshas as a cueing framework, we examine ways to guide attention beyond the physical body, while distinguishing between functional cues and purely aesthetic language.

A theme provides the connective thread that weaves a Yin class into a cohesive experience. In this lecture we explore what a theme is and why it can deepen both teaching and practice. Teachers are guided in finding inspiration through poems, quotes, and personal reflection, and in using simple mind-mapping tools to shape those ideas into a theme. The focus is on allowing the theme to support the physical practice rather than compete with it, offering meaning without distraction.

Sequencing in Yin Yoga is both an art and a science. Although the number of core poses is limited, the way they are arranged has a significant impact on how the body responds. In this lecture we explore key sequencing principles, including the use of counterposes, rebound, and gentle movement to support tissue recovery and integration. Teachers are guided in how to create balanced class arcs that feel coherent, effective, and responsive rather than formulaic.

In this lecture we explore the effects of inversions in Yin Yoga, including their influence on circulation, the nervous system, and overall regulation. We examine a range of supported, inverted Yin poses and discuss safety, contraindications, and appropriate use within a Yin context. The lecture concludes with guidance on sequencing a wall-based Yin class that is accessible, restorative, and well balanced.