Hello my loves and Happy New Year! Since the holiday season, I have been majorly MIA, and took a much needed break from being social on social media. This allowed me to unplug, unwind, and enjoy little moments with my loved ones. BUT I am happy to say I am back, with good news! I am happy to announce, that after a brief brake from teaching yoga, I have secured a spot to teach my relaxing yin class at a fabulous space called Lala Land, … a mindful place to find your happy place! The owner and space are beyond amazing. They offer yoga for both adults and kids. Check out their website for their schedule!
For those of you who are wondering what the heck “Yin Yoga” is and if it is for you… YES! YIN YOGA IS FOR EVERYONE AND EVERYONE SHOULD DO IT. The main focus of Yin Yoga is too strengthen and stretch the connective tissue while we work on the meridian channels in the body, which help promote healthy organ function. You will learn to be kind to yourself by recharging mentally, spirituality and physically. Below are just a few benefits from the practice:
- Regulates energy in the body
- Lowers stress levels
- Increases mobility
- Protects our joints from wear and tear on our bodies and as we age
- Provides a better yang practice such as vinyasa flow ,kickboxing, running etc
- Teaches us how to meditate and quiet the mind
Two of my biggest benefits I have found in my personal yin practice have been mobility and patience. I tell this story all the time to my new students. When I was younger I was kicked off the gymnastics team. I just was not flexible like the other kids and couldn’t do a split for the life of me. Fast forward 23 years later and thanks to my flexibility I obtained through my yin practice, I can now say I can do a split without feeling like my leg is going to rip off. I wake up with a pep in my step. I can sit up straight for long periods of time in a seat. I am less stiff. I crave Yin, I need Yin. If life gets in the way and I don’t get to practice, I pay for it in the end and usually feel achey.
Secondly, this practice teaches us patience. You will get to know yourself inside and out. One day we may be able to hold butterfly and another day we may find that we can not get as deep in the pose. Accept it and accept what your body needs. Be patient with yourself. It’s not about how far down we can get in a pose. Its not about “How good one is”. Never start at your max. Work at slowly achieving results. In the world we live in today, there is a quick fix to everything. There is a pill to loose weight, a dry cleaners who will wash, dry, fold, and deliver it to you all in the same day. Want to have a home cooked meal but not prepare for it? There is a service for that. Living in such a fast paced world we can forget that sometimes things take time. Yin gives you the opportunity to slow down and listen to what your body needs. If we are not 100% how are we suppose to take care of others and give them 100%?
Yin is not just a physical sensation. While holding these poses one might experience strong emotions. Yin is a form of meditation and quiting the mind which is one of the hardest things ever…hence why it is important to practice. It can bring up and out some heavy stuff but it helps us work through our emotions.
So with this said, What to expect in my class and what exactly do you do? You will hold poses for 3-5 minutes. Don’t fret, your not holding a physically exhausting pose. You will step into a semi dark, inviting, room to practice in that is a judgement free zone. I will guide you through a simple mini meditation. I will use oils and lotions to massage pressure points aiding in your relaxation. (If you wish not to be touched thats OK too!) I will explain the poses, why and what we are working on. If something does not feel good I will give you an alternative pose. I am here to help you relax and renew. I will hug you if you need a hug and laugh with you if you need a laugh and I will always greet you with a smile.
You do not need to be a size 0, you do not need to be flexible, you do not need to be a hardcore yogi, you do not need to be spiritual or believe in a certain religion, you do not need to show up in a cute expensive yoga outfit with essential oils and carrying crystals. You do not even need to know what a chakra is or how you balance it. What you do need is an open mind to want to do something positive for yourself. I guarantee Yin Yoga will change your life.
Wear comfortable clothing, loose sweats is my favorite thing to practice in. The studio has everything you need for your practice: Mat, props, water etc. Can’t wait to see your smiling faces on the mat! And if your reading this and not in the area I hope you will look up yin classes in your area 🙂
I teach Monday nights 7:15-8:15 PM.
Lala Land:
681 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ
973-320-2091
XOXO
CC
chrissykimmy 