One of my goals for 2021 has been to find ways of incorporating more exercise (particularly stretching) and meditation into my self-care routine. There are a couple of reasons why I chose stretching, one of which I keep hearing my mother’s voice sharing why stretching, of all the exercises, is so important as we age. My mother passed away in late August of 2020 and her advice to me on this, and many other topics, is something that I now realize the importance of. You can read more on the many benefits of stretching here. Mother knows best!
In February of this year our gym re-opened and my husband and I wanted to try a yoga class we could do together. We had been practicing yoga at home using this video, however we were unfamiliar with the Yin Yoga class being offered at our gym. We found it very intriguing and wanted to give it a try!
Yin Yoga, we now know, offers numerous health benefits and we are hooked! This type of yoga focuses on your deep connective tissues, like your fascia, ligaments, joints and bones. It’s slower and more meditative which allows you to turn inward and tune into your mind and the physical sensation of your body. Because you’re holding poses for a longer period of time than you would in other types of yoga practices, Yin Yoga helps you stretch and lengthen the rarely-used tissues while also teaching you how to breath and listen to your body and mind. By holding the various poses, a Yin Yoga sequence can help restore the healthy flow of Qi (energy) in our bodies, and is similar to an acupuncture treatment. To access the deeper tissues a posture is held for three to five minutes or longer! Our instructor shared that Yin Yoga is the perfect balance for any intense workouts, like my husband prefers and is also well suited for those with an injury, arthritis, or osteoporosis because this practice has the ability to restore. And if you’re wanting, like I am, to begin practicing a form of meditation, then Yin Yoga definitely offers that, as it has an internal focus. My husband and I agree that the benefits have been found to be both physical and mental for us. You can learn more about the benefits offered here!
If you prefer to learn Yin Yoga online, you can visit this renowned instructor and follow her YouTube channel and practice at home. She shares information in her FAQS on the benefits of practicing during menopause and more!
For me, taking this class, two to three times a week is a form of self-care, lovingkindness and helps to teach me how to be gentle, practice patience and meditate as well. I hope you’ll decide to give it a try!
Namaste. The light and love in me acknowledges and honors the light and love in you.
xoxo
Mimi Jackie
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