Glutes, Hip Flexors, Hip Flexors, Low Intensity, Mobility Drill, Moderate Intensity, Myofascial Release, Pain Care Yoga, Podcast |
Yin & Somatics
Yin & Somatics: Activate to Release Tight Hip Flexors
So many of us suffer with hip flexors that feel stiff, tight, sore or even painful. it’s not uncommon for me to encounter clients and students that are even plagued with a reduced range of motion and trouble fully extending the hip.
So it makes sense to just stretch right?
Though it seems plausable that lenghening what feels tight is the best course of action, the hip, the self are far to complicated to reduce this experience to just the state of our biological tissues.
So in this practice we will observe the biopsycosocial-spiritual nature of self. Rather than some stretches for the sensitive area, we will activate to release. In your practice, you will engage in myofascial release techniques, mobility drills and yes, yin yoga poses, to embed a profound sense of safety into the hips as well as a new confidence.
Props needed: Bolster, Blocks, Blanket
Discussion, Interview, Yin & Yoga Philosophy |
A Conversation with Josh Summers
Harmonizing Body and Mind: The Relationship between Yin Yoga and Traditional Chinese Medicine
In this episode we peel back the layers of Eastern wisdom with our esteemed guest, Josh Summers. Seasoned Yin teachers and novice practitioners alike will benefit from Josh’s perspective in this fascinating discussion.
Josh generously shares his insights on how Yin Yoga, when melded with TCM, can prepare the mind and body for deeper meditation. But we also recognize the challenges teachers face when trying to assimilate and impart this knowledge. Josh gives some great advice for teachers who wish to honor this philosophy with authenticity while staying within their scope of practice.
In the final stretch of our conversation, we delve into the potent biopsychosocial model of pain in Chinese Medicine. We discuss how it addresses physical pain, often rooted in emotional trauma, and honors both physical and inner subjective experiences. We also illuminate how the practice of Yin Yoga can enhance the function of our integrated systems, improve circulation, reduce stress, and foster feelings of peace and joy. Lastly, but certainly not least, we examine the power of storytelling in Yin Yoga. Join us for this engaging conversation with Josh Summers, as we explore Yin Yoga and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Low Intensity, Neck, Pain Care Yoga, Podcast, Somatic Education, Throat, Yin & Somatics |
Yin & Somatics
Benevolent Awareness for the Neck and Throat
Though the front of the neck and throat are only a very small part of the physical body, they have an oversized role in self hood. This practice is amazing for my listeners with neck pain, but especially valuable for those of us who hold stress in the throat area.
In this gentle practice you will cultivate a benevolent awareness for the front of the neck and throat. My goal is to provide a profound sense of safety for any and all movements of the neck and expressions that come from the throat. You will also find that this class is incredibly soothing. Every time I teach it live, students fall asleep! So I can guarantee that the movements and breathing practices have a powerful effect on your parasympathetic nervous system.
If you have been looking for yoga for neck pain, be sure to save this practice!
Back, Chest, Low Intensity, Myofascial Release, Pain Care Yoga, Shoulder, Thoracic Spine, Upper Body |
Yin & Myofascial Release
Exploring Shoulder Anatomy: A Deep Dive into Yin Yoga and Myofascial Release Techniques
You might think you know the intricacies of your shoulder anatomy, but this practice will take you to a depth of understanding that you’ve never reached before. We’re not just talking about the surface-level stuff; we’re diving right into the complex details of your shoulder anatomy. We’re also discussing how increased blood flow, nervous system benefits, and a temporary effect of increased muscle extensibility are the real benefits of the techniques we explore in this pod practice. In essence, we’re debunking some myofascial release myths while embracing the REAL benefits of these practices.
Anatomy Of The Shoulder – Experientially
We’re breaking down the anatomy of the shoulder, using traditional Yin Yoga postures, self myofascial release techniques and breathing exercises, all designed to help you release tension gently through embodied awareness. For the the Yin Yoga teachers out there, this practice will amplify your knowledge of the shoulder anatomy in ways that reading a text book never could.
So join me for this pod practice and allow me to guide you on this intriguing exploration of your body’s shoulder anatomy through the lens of Yin Yoga and self-myofascial release techniques.
Props needed: bolster, blocks, blanket
30 Minute Class, All Levels, Audio, Hip Flexors, Hips, Low Intensity, Pain Care Yoga, Podcast, Yin & Pranayama |
Yin &Pranayama
Befriending the Hip: A Holistic Approach to Hip Tension
Ever felt frustrated with persistent hip tension that just won’t go away? Ever wondered if there’s a simpler, more holistic way to relieve that discomfort? Today, we’re using the healing power of awareness in movement: Yin Yoga, to bring radical acceptance and relief to our bodies. I’ll equip you with practical strategies to maximize your relaxation and release built-up tension not just for today, but more and more over time.
Radical Acceptance is a Catalyst for Lasting Relief
As you practice the postures, we’ll be using a simple breathing protocol to soothe and befriend your hips. By the end of our practice together, you’ll have developed a more comprehensive understanding of your hip tension and some strategies to overcome it.
Props needed: bolster, blocks, blanket
Interview, Podcast, Yin & Yoga Philosophy, Yin Yoga |
An Interview with Dr Melissa West
Harnessing the Power of the Five Elements in Your Practice and in Your Life
Join us as we unravel the intriguing five element theory with Dr. Melissa West, a pioneer of Yoga on YouTube since 2009. Learn how to apply this theory to your everyday life and to your Yin Yoga practice. This podcast will provide some great insights for you on how we might live more in harmony with the seasons and throughout each stage of life.
As our enlightening dialogue progresses, we navigate through the fascinating complexities of the fire element season and its unique divergence from Ayurveda. Armed with Dr. West’s insightful knowledge, we’ll shed light on how these elemental associations can enhance not just our Yoga practice, but our overall well-being. But it doesn’t stop there! We also dive into the practicalities of the five element theory, discussing how it can inform our personality traits and elemental constitutions.
Wrapping up our conversation, we steer towards Eastern philosophies and the ultimate pursuit of balance. We’ll hear from Melissa on how the energies of the elements shift throughout the day and throughout our lives, and why it’s crucial to embrace these changes. And for all you budding Yoga teachers out there, we cap things off with some invaluable tips on teaching yin authentically. So, ready for a transformative journey guided by the wisdom of Dr. Melissa West? Tune in and let’s explore the power of the five element theory together!
Groin, Hip Flexors, Hip Flexors, Low Intensity, Mobility Drill, Nervous System Regulation, Pain Care Yoga, Podcast, Somatic Education, Yin & Somatics |
Yin & Somatics
Lasting Relief for Hip and Groin Tension
Ever wondered why tension seems to build up in certain areas of your body, like the front of your pelvis and groins? This episode of the Yin Yoga Pod-practice aims to provide answers to this question while helping you find a solution through mindful movement. education and of course, stretching. We unravel the profound connection between your daily habits, lifestyle, and the discomfort you feel in these areas, developing a comprehensive understanding of these correlations.
Befriending tension
The goal here isn’t just to stretch these sensitive areas, it’s to help you understand the gripping and holding patterns in your body, and how to befriend them. We also delve into the emotional states that contribute to tension in the front pelvis and groin providing insights into how you might use these techniques to overcome this pain long term.
Props needed: bolster, block(s), blanket
Back, Low Intensity, Pain Care Yoga, Podcast, Somatic Education, Spine, Thoracic Spine, Upper Body, Yin & Somatics |
Yin & Somatics
Thoracic Nerve Flossing
Yoga is a bit preoccupied with muscles, Yin perhaps a bit too preoccupied with joints and connective tissues. But there is another element to healthy movement that is being influenced in our practice, in all of our movement really… that’s the nerves.
This practice puts the other tissues in a supporting role in favor of mobilizing, and gaining awareness of our nerves. Especially the ones that exit the thoracic region of the spine. We will use somatic and a bolster to gently mobilize the nerves and soften the experience of the spine.
This is a wonderful practice to return to if you frequently have a stiff or painful upper back.
Props needed: bolster, block(s), blanket
Audio, Interview, Nervous System Regulation, Somatic Education, Yin & Somatics |
Unlocking Your Authentic Voice
The Intersection of Yin Yoga, Nervous System Regulation, and Leadership
How can Yin Yoga and nervous system communication unearth your unique and authentic voice? Join us on a fascinating journey with Elise Besler, a Yin Yoga teacher, musician, and leadership coach, as she sheds light on the intricate interplay between our nervous system, yoga practice, and the environment we create in our classes. We delve deep into intriguing topics such as polyvagal theory, trauma, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome, with practical strategies that you can implement right away.
Elise pulls back the curtain on the power of Neurosomatic Intelligence and co-regulation, emphasizing their crucial roles in leadership, teaching, and learning. She shares her personal journey of finding her distinct teaching voice, offering invaluable perspective on the challenges new teachers might face. We also unravel the complex relationship between the vocal cords, the vagus nerve, and the heart, showcasing their impact on our ability to communicate our truths.
No discussion would be complete without addressing imposter syndrome. Discover how regulating our nervous system can help heal it and why boundaries and chronic pain may be protective outputs of your nervous system. Finally, we touch on self-compassion and personal growth resources, including Elise’s website, Instagram, and podcast, The Embodied Leader. This episode promises a refreshing perspective and practical tools to navigate your yoga journey and beyond. Prepare to be enlightened, inspired, and empowered. Tune in now!
Back, Glutes, Hamstrings, Healthy Aging Classes, Hips, Low Intensity, Lower Body, Podcast, Yin with Creative Props |
Yin & Creative Props
Yinversion
We don’t usually think about inversions in Yin. So to introduce them into a mild practice takes a bit of creativity and, in this case a bolster and a strap. The poses will emphasize the hips but our true purpose is to encounter something new, something novel. Throughout the practice you’ll be contemplating some features of your nervous system and learning ways to keep your brain sharp, flexible and vibrant throughout your life span.
Props Needed: Blanket, bolster or pillow, yoga strap, block
Ankles, Hamstrings, Hip Flexors, Knees, Lower Body, Pain Care Yoga, Podcast, Somatic Education, Yin & Somatics |
Yin & Somatics
The Toes Have It
This practice is all about the lower body. But we will work with the feet, ankles, knees, thighs and hips with an unorthodox somatic lens, the toes. You will be delighted to discover how influential these appendages are in your poses and movements and your knees and ankles will thank you for the attention.
This practice is geared especially to my listeners with foot, ankle and knee pain, but anyone with a lower body will enjoy this unique practice.
Props Needed: Blanket, bolster or pillow, yoga strap
10 Minute Class, Compassion, Meditation, Pain Care Yoga, Podcast |
Guided Somatic Meditation for Heartfelt Good Wishes
A quick guided somatic meditation to help you to learn how to comfort yourself. I have loosely based this meditation on the teachings of Kristen Neff. She tells us that we and we alone are the most capable of comforting ourselves. In this practice you will offer yourself warmth and comfort. This is a valuable skill that can help us to manage stress.
30 Minute Class, Audio, Jaw, Low Intensity, Neck, Pain Care Yoga, Podcast, Shoulder, Somatic Education, Yin & Somatics |
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.
Audio, Discussion, Podcast, Yin Yoga, Yoga |
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!
Hips, Pain Care Yoga, Podcast, Yin & Yoga Philosophy, Yin Yoga |
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!
Discussion, Meditation, Podcast, Yin & 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.
Low Intensity, Podcast, Somatic Education, Yin & Pranayama |
Yin & Pranayama
Collective Amoebic Consciousness
For this sublime practice we will blend somatic movements and static Yin poses with a breathing technique known as cellular breathing. This technique hails from the Body Mind Centering somatic tradition and it enhances this practice experience greatly. This is a practice to feel alive in every cell.
Audio, Chest, Low Intensity, Podcast, Pranayama, Side Body, Somatic Education, Thoracic Spine, Upper Body, Yin & Pranayama |
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
Low Intensity, Pain Care Yoga, Podcast, Somatic Education, Thoracic Spine, Upper Body, Yin & Somatics |
Yin & Somatics
Thoracic Expression
The upper back is an area that can be a big source of tension and even pain. We also have a fair amount of cultural baggage around the appropriate way to hold our upper back. Even in the Yoga world, we tend to favor a stiff and straight upper back above other shapes. But the upper back is capable of so much more, and I believe we suffer when we get locked in to a specific posture or expression.
In this practice, we explore the capacity of the upper back to generate movements, sensations and even emotions. We will use a somatic lesson adapted from Feldenkrais Method® supported by familiar Yin Poses. Your upper back and neck will really benefit from this practice.
Discussion |
Science of Yin
Understanding Yin Yoga and Fascia
While it’s true that you could practice Yin Yoga for a lifetime without knowing a thing about science, I do believe that a little scientific knowledge can go a long way. It’s amazing how just a bit of understanding can influence the choices you make in your practice or in your teaching. How subjective experiences become even richer and more meaningful. It’s amazing how separating fact from fiction empowers you.
In this solo episode I give you an introduction to fascia. In Yin we talk a lot about targeting fascia, but is that really true. What even is fascia and how does it work in the body? What happens to it in my Yin practice? I will answer these questions and more in this episode. Prepare to be empowered!
