Yin and yang

Despite feeling sore today, I couldn't resist going to yoga again today. Starting yoga proper literally feels like opening a door to a stuffy room or sun coming out after weeks of rain, I just can't get enough of it. But I didn't want to exert myself too much, so I chose Yin Yoga, something I hadn't tried before.

Despite sounding like yet another yoga fad, apparently this one (too) has been around for a long time. The name comes from Taoist aspect of yin and yang, and applied to the body Taoism defines that muscles and blood are yang, and connective tissues and joints are yin. Most of the styles of yoga practiced today are yang yoga, and emphasise use of muscles - postures are not typically held long so joints are not worked. In ashtanga or other types of yoga I've done postures would be held at most five in and out breaths, yin postures are held three or five or even ten minutes at a time. Asanas are the same familiar ones that I've used to, they're just emphasised differently.

Tonight's practice was held by both Kelly and Jason - who already greet me by my name! - and to help us to keep asanas for such long periods of time we had lot of pillows and blankets and other accessories to make the practice as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. Jason later told me that after doing yin for a year or so has changed his yoga practice completely - as yin complements the more muscular styles of yoga, it's just another side of the coin.

Well, it was painful, streching and keeping the postures that long, but in a good very way. Perfect for my sore muscles today, "just" laying there, concentrating on breathing and listening to the soft music. This is something I'd love to get used to.

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