Yin Yoga: The Art of Slowing Down

Sat Nam, and Welcome in,

In a culture that praises speed, productivity, and doing more, Yin Yoga is a quiet revolution. It invites you to slow down, listen deeply, and let time do its work. If you’ve ever felt exhausted, overstimulated, or simply hungry for a softer kind of space — this practice was made for you.

What Is Yin Yoga?

Yin Yoga is a slow, meditative style of yoga where postures are held for longer periods — usually three to five minutes or more. Unlike more active “yang” practices that build heat and strength through muscle engagement, Yin works by relaxing the muscles so the deeper layers of connective tissue — fascia, joints, ligaments — can gently open.

It’s not about pushing yourself harder. It’s about allowing. Letting gravity, breath, and stillness create space where tension used to live.

A Practice Rooted in Balance

Yin Yoga draws from Taoist philosophy, which teaches that life is made up of yin and yang — stillness and movement, night and day, quiet and action. Most of our modern lives are heavily weighted toward yang: fast, fiery, and busy. Yin balances that out.

Modern Yin Yoga was popularized by teachers like Paulie Zink, Paul Grilley, and Sarah Powers. It blends ancient principles with practical, accessible movement that anyone can do.

What to Expect in a Yin Class

A Yin class is different from most yoga classes.

The pace is slow and deliberate.

Poses are often supported with props — blankets, bolsters, blocks — so you can relax fully.

You’ll find your “edge,” that place where sensation is strong but not painful, and simply stay.

Your breath becomes your anchor.

The invitation is to soften, to be still, and to listen inward.

You may also notice that the experience is more internal. Yin Yoga is often called “a practice of presence.”

The Three Principles of Yin

Find Your Edge – Work at a level of sensation that is deep but safe. No forcing. Think 6/7 out of 10.

Be Still – Allow the tissues to soften and open with time, not effort. No need to continue to sink more deeply into the posture, unless your body suggests it and it feels right.

Hold the Pose for time – Stay long enough to give the body a chance to unwind, and the mind a chance to settle.

The Benefits of Yin Yoga

Yin Yoga offers many layers of benefit:

Physical: Increases flexibility, hydrates fascia, enhances joint mobility, improves circulation, and helps counter stiffness from modern sedentary life.

Mental: Calms the nervous system, quiets the mind, reduces stress, and helps build resilience to everyday challenges.

Energetic: Supports the smooth flow of energy through the body (in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the meridians), creating an overall sense of harmony and ease.

Emotional: Long holds often allow stored tension to surface and release. Many students report feeling lighter, clearer, and more grounded afterward.

Common Yin Poses

Here are a few poses you might experience in class:

Butterfly: A gentle forward fold that opens hips and lower back.

Sphinx or Seal: A supported backbend that nourishes the spine.

Pigeon: A deep hip opener.

Reclined Twist: A calming, gentle twist to release the spine.

We will not be performing postures like Snail or Saddle, unless a client requests instruction on these postures. I aim to make every posture accessible to everybody in front of me. Rest assured I have all manner of props to allow you to get your stretch in without anxiety.

These poses are held typically for three, five, or seven minutes. In one hour, you will usually experience 4-6 postures.

Tips for Beginners

Go slowly. Yin is not about performance.

Use props generously. Comfort helps you stay longer.

Breathe steadily — in and out through the nose; your breath is your guide.

If you feel sharp or electric pain, back out. Yin should never hurt.

Trust the process. The benefits deepen with consistency.

Who Yin Yoga Is For

Yin is for anyone who wants to soften the edges of a busy life.

It’s especially helpful for people who:

• Are under stress or feeling burnt out

  
  

• Sit a lot during the day

  
  

• Practice a lot of active or “yang” styles of exercise

  
  

• Want to cultivate mindfulness and stillness

If you have acute injuries or hypermobility, modifications may be needed — always listen to your body and be able to speak up in class--I'm here to help.

An Invitation

This is your reminder: you don’t have to earn rest.

You don’t have to do more to be enough.

My Yin Yoga class is a safe space to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. Whether you’re brand new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner looking for balance, you are welcome.

🧘‍♀️ Class Schedule: 9 classes till end of year: Tuesdays at 6 pm - 7pm

📍 Location: Kundalini Yoga in Detroit

📲 How to Join: Book online or use the FIT app by Wix (invite code FLX4GC

Come with a curious heart. Leave with a quiet mind.

Sat nam, and thanks for watching,

🐿️ 🍁 🍂

Andrea