sleepytime yin

celestial seasonings c.1980

Hello, and happy July!

I’ve got a super chill sleepytime yin practice for ya this month. And honestly, this one probably falls more into the “restorative yoga” category, because all poses are supported with a bolster and the whole thing is real gentle. You are welcome to forgo the props and do it as a straight yin class, though, which will intensify sensation, but still leave you feeling relaxed.

Postures are held for ~5 min each, and we are on the ground for the whole 45 min. Do it right next to your bed if you have the space, then you can just climb on in when you’re ready for sleep! We’re calling it “sleepytime” but it’s also just a nice practice to do anytime you need a nervous system reset, anytime you feel like you want to give your body some attention in a sweet, low-key way, if you’re on your period, if you’re not feeling well, if you’re too tired for a more active yoga practice, etc. It would also pair nicely with this Yoga Nidra recording, which is free this month.

Poem from class. Jane Kenyon.

How to make a bolster

Since bolsters are kind of expensive, I recommend a makeshift one. Grab 2-3 (or more!) blankets and lay them on top of one another. Roll them up tightly on the short end til you have a nice, thick roll that still feels supportive when you lay on top of it. Voila! Homemade bolster.

Restorative vs. Yin

Both yin and restorative include passive, long-held postures, and both can be very calming. Restorative yoga is comfort-seeking; we’re not going for big sensations. Its aim is to help you release stress, feel safe, tone the nervous system and heal. In yin yoga, we are seeking sensation. We are intentionally stressing our tissues to make them healthier and more resilient. And we are practicing getting comfortable with discomfort. Yin yoga also has strong roots in Eastern philosophy, which is why you often hear me talking about the meridians or Taoism in my yin classes. So they do share a chunk of the Venn Diagram in that they are both good options when you’re craving something slow, relaxing and introspective, but they have slightly different objectives.

That’s all for now. What classes do you want to see next?

X Berlin

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