Yin Versus Yang Yoga
Inherently we are all a combination of Yin and Yang energy. Yin being the mellow, moon, “female” energy, and Yang being the “male”, sun, aggressive energy. These two qualities are innate in every person we meet, every activity we undertake, even in the foods we eat. The whole world lies on a continuum of Yin to Yang. To be in balance, ultimately, the key is to strive for a middle ground.
Our western culture particularly tends to drive us more heavily toward the Yang – ambitious careers, workaholic addictions, the whole concept of “working out”. So it stands to reason that we have to try a little harder to integrate the Yin into our lives.
That’s where restorative yoga comes in. Although any style of yoga is popularly considered to be a relaxing, mellow activity in the first place, the types of yoga that many of us practice (power, vinyasa, flow, ashtanga) are about as far to the Yang side of the spectrum as asana can get. We hope to relax and unwind, but also to build strength, stamina, discipline and focus.
Restorative yoga, on the other hand, is absent of ambitious western ideals. It’s truly just about letting go. When you step into a restorative class, you abandon any aggressive, goal-oriented tendencies and surrender to the opportunity to, quite simply put, laze about.
In that inert state, there is the potential for our Yin energy to come back into balance. Liken it to bodywork, or to taking a nice hot bath. The truly soulful effects of an hour spent in simple, unengaged yoga poses contribute to greater health and relaxation. I often find myself strangely energized after taking a restorative yoga class.
Committing to cultivate your Yin side is anything but a waste of time. It’s a vital component of becoming a whole, healthy, happy person.
Relax into it from time to time,
Amy
