Neck Pain Relief

Neck Pain Relief

Neck Pain Relief

Yin & Somatics

Neck Pain Relief

The human neck is a tricky place. It’s a complex experience of musculoskeletal, nervous and vascular tissue. But also bound to thoughts, feelings and beliefs. Any of these components of the neck can contribute to issues here.  

For this pod practice I have created a somatic lesson to address this complexity. We will lean mostly in to somatics here with just a couple of Yin poses for gentle tension of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM). This is a very simple practice that you could even do in your bed. All you need is something to rest/slide your head on. 

 

Should Yin be Deep or Mild?

Should Yin be Deep or Mild?

Should Yin be Deep or Mild

Yin Education

Should Yin be Deep or Mild?

A debate that rages on. Some students swear by the benefit of of deep and intense duration stretch. Some by a milder attitude for the length of the hold.

Though I think it’s clear that I personally favor the latter, I also think that it depends on your goal for practice. So let’s first consider the goals and then some of the evidence. 

This is a very informative episode that just may transform your practice and/or teaching. 

So pop those earbuds in and have a listen!

 

Yin & Yoga Philosophy: Acceptance

Yin & Yoga Philosophy: Acceptance

Free Yin Yoga Practice

Yin & Yoga Philosophy

Acceptance

While you marinate in juicy poses targeting the hips, we will explore a the duality of resistance and acceptance. You will have an opportunity to discover how these qualities manifest themselves in your tissues, in your poses and indeed in your entire experience of self. 

We will not dogmatically attempt to annihilate resistance, rather, I will teach you how to view this struggle with compassion and show you a way to be with your suffering as taught in Classical Yoga philosophy. 

This is a very powerful practice and it feels great too.

Props needed: Bolster, blanket and a sandbag or two if you have them. (if not it’s totally fine!

 

Yin Yoga & Meditation

Yin Yoga & Meditation

Yin and meditation

Yin & Meditation

A Conversation with Addie deHilster

This week I am interviewing Addie deHilster. Addie is a mindful movement teacher whose teaching prioritizes mindfulness from the Vipassana tradition. She blends many styles of movement including Yoga, somatics and chi gong to facilitate embodiment. 

We discuss how Yin yoga in many ways is already a very accessible form of meditation. You will learn how to apply concepts from Vipassana including compassion, and non-resistance to your practice and how to apply Yin components such as body awareness and regulation to your meditation practice. We know that meditation is so beneficial, but many of us lack the time, knowledge or confidence to really commit. I know this discussion will inspire you to turn the things you are already doing in your Yin practice into your own mindfulness practice.

 

Yin & Pranayama: Expand Your Breathing Options

Yin & Pranayama: Expand Your Breathing Options

Upper Back Pain

Yin & Somatics

Thoracic Expression

This practice is a blend of Yin Yoga and pranayama with a bit of somatic work sprinkled in. We will explore a breathing practice that I learned from my mentor Neil Pearson that I call, Expand Your Breathing Options. 

As you engage in movement and awareness you will also contemplate the gift of breath. This is a practice that is ripe with opportunities to learn and grow.

Props needed: Bolster, blocks and blanket