What is Yin and Yang? Sthira and Sukha?
You probably know what Yin and Yang are. The black and white symbol is renown and you likely already know it comes from the Ancient Chinese philosophy that suggests polarity exists in all things both simultaneously and independently. Active (Yang) and Receptive (Yin). Light (Yang) and Shade (Yin). Expanding (Yang) and Contracting (Yin). In the philosophy, one quality cannot exist without the other.
Even though Yoga is an Ancient India philosophy there are many shared beliefs. In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the terms 'Striha' and 'Sukha' are used to describe the nature of polarity associated with the physical practices of Yoga. ‘Sthira’ means steady, stable or strong. ‘Sukha’ means comfortable, sweet or easeful.
Regardless of the roots of the philosophy, the premise is to accept polarity in all things and embrace the constant need to look within and seek balance between the sometimes apparently opposing forces.
What is Yin Yoga?
Yin Yoga was established as a method for encouraging balance recognising that many people are out of balance and pursuing more of the Yang qualities in life (active and expanding). Yin Yoga can help you be: more contemplative; calm; reflective; soft; receptive; easeful.
The slow movement and long stretchy postures can be challenging if you are used to dynamic strengthening yoga/exercise. The body and the mind will react in these classes. But with practice both of these aspects of you will quieten down and enable a spaciousness within that can ultimately heal you from imbalance and the associated diseases.
Yoga was ALWAYS meant to be a healing practice. A good Yoga class should incorporate qualities of both Yin and Yang (or as Patanjali says: Sthira and Sukha). If you complete your Yoga class in a pool of sweat and buzzing with adrenaline - I recommend taking some time to cool it down (with sitting forward folds and a calming breath practice) AND sit or lay in contemplation (Please!). Otherwise, you will just be adding to your Yang imbalance.
Yin Yoga for me has been an incredible healing tool from: stress and anxiety; tight shoulders and hips; energetic and chakra cleansing; and digestive disorders.
As we re-engage in the modern world of hustle and bustle - I feel it is timely to be reminded about the need to be active in seeking balance. The practice never ceases. Each day, week and season presents new opportunities to practice a new approach to balance.
Here’s a free Yin Yoga and Meditation Class for your pursuit of balance.
