The Seven Principles of Yin Yoga
A re-definition from a feminine perspective
A call for something new…
I would like to propose a different definition of "yin yoga", which takes the concept of yin (feminine, receptive, introspective, descending and earth respecting) and showers it over the broader concept of “yoga” which is a holistic process of physical, emotional, and spiritual integration.
My hope is that these 7 principles can be used on and off your mat to help meet the challenges of our times. The first 5 principles relate to the 5 spirits of each Yin organ in Chinese medicine, while the last two principles relate to the process of integration.
Mindfulness
For yoga to happen, we need to pay attention to what is happening in the present moment.
This principle relates to the heart organ and the Shen spirit. The Shen is our mind/soul/spirit/ higher self. The Shen is easily frightened and excitable, and often leaves our physical body, especially when we are stressed or distracted. When we are mindful, we invite the Shen back into the body so we have the awareness needed to practice yoga.
2. Embodiment
The intention of Yin Yoga postures are not to create a specific shape that looks "good" from the outside, but rather, to feel the body from the inside, out. This is called introspection. The breath is used as a medium to connect awareness with feeling.
Both breathing and physical sensations relate to the Po spirit (the spirit of the lungs). The physical body will show us where we are "stuck" emotionally and spiritually.
3. Kindness
As we become more mindful and embodied, our habits, emotions and neurotic patterns can be challenging to accept, leading to resistance and avoidance. Many of us beat ourselves up for what we find in our inner world, which creates a war between "good" and "bad forces".
This is where the benevolent force of the Hun (liver spirit) is needed. This principle invites us to marry the Hun (kindness) to the Po (embodied difficulty) so we can be held in a safe, accepting container.
4. Devotion
Devotion relates to the Yi, the spirit of the spleen earth element. Devotion grows out of the knowing of the Shen (heart) and the vision of the Hun (liver). Once we know what we value we have the choice to devote our actions to that cause. Thus, Devotion is the continual process of setting a conscious intention and following through on it, day in and day out. Devotion is where change happens - it is where the rubber meets the road! Devotion is what helps us start over, when we have gone off track.
5. Alchemy
Inner Alchemy is the transformative process that happens over time as we become open and willing to be with what is difficult.
What we discover through the process of yin yoga - is the gold hidden within our shadow. As we gather the faith to walk through the "muck" of our humanness, rather than trying to avoid it, our Mingman fire (life destiny) is revealed to us. The mingman is the fire of our purpose, and relates to the spirit of the Zhi (kidneys and water element).
6. Integration
Deep transformation and insight are bound to happen as we walk the yin yoga path. But in order for those insights to take root as a feature of our identity, they have to be planted in the soil of our daily life. Integration means that weaving our new understandings gathered from our practice into our personal relationships, our work, and the most simplest of tasks, such as grocery shopping or driving. Integration means we are able to harmonize our inner world, as we graciously meet the unpredictability and challenges of the outer world.
7. Generosity
The essence of yin is generous. Like our earth mother, when we connect with the abundance of our true nature, the natural response is to give back. Generosity will express differently depending on your natural gifts and abilities. Some will be generous in their creations, others will be generous in their service, teaching, or material contribution. Over time, yin yoga encourages us into the stream of interconnection and reciprocity. There is no other joy <3
Want to dive deeper?
The next Yin Yoga Teacher Training is happening October 2021!
