I’m not writing on groundbreaking news today by reminding you that it’s likely that “slowing down” is not something you prioritize enough. You’re stressed and busy and it’s effing exhausted by it, right? So why do we have such a hard time enjoying more yin? Because we live in a world that loves the yang.
Stick with me on this, let me drop some thoughts for you.
Or you can just scroll down the the yin yoga video at the bottom of this post and just experience that yin energy for yourself.
Yin and Yang Energy
Of course, you’re probably rather familiar with the Chinese symbol for yin and yang. You know, the black and white circle with the dots and the swirly line… Actually, I’ll just drop a photo here:
Cool, so you know the symbol and you probably have a relative idea what it represents, right? All about understanding the opposites and the balance between them. Think, black and white. Light and dark. Masculine and feminine. Hot and cold.
The yin and yang symbol shows them equally balanced, not one being more important than the other.
Problem is, in today’s world, we tend to lean heavy on the yang side of things. Yang energy is all about the doing. It’s about making shit happen, going on adventures, and all the ambition you can fathom. It’s represented by a masculinity, excitement, logic, day time, being woke.
Please note, these aren’t negative things.
But we are ignoring the balance of the yin energy. Yin is all about being (rather than doing). It’s that quiet, slow, dark, and passive energy. It’s represented by femininity, the moon, feeling, receiving, and relaxing. This is the rest time, the time for sleep and restoration.
Again, notice that neither are bad, right? Both are needed!
Problem is, we have this idea that we can live in yang mode the majority of the time and just dip our toes into yin when it suits us.
Stop Glorifying Busy
Listen, you’re not getting more done because you’ve figured out how to operate on less sleep. You were not created to “hustle and grind” until you make your millions.
Just, no.
Especially for those of you who are ambitious in your careers and businesses – there’s no benefit to being in active “get shit done” mode all the time. We all hit our daily burn out levels. You become less creative, clear-headed, and your cognitive function will drop off a cliff at some point.
Instead, by allowing yourself opportunities to effectively do “nothing,” you open yourself up to receiving even more creativity and innovation.
No joke – I went to a yin class just after a business strategy chat just the other day. By the time the yin class ended, I effectively had my entire sales page written in my head.
Slowing down benefits your productivity.
Practicing the Yin
Funny thing with yin is that it’s harder to tell you how to do it. The entire point of it is to not do things, but rather just be.
There are still some things you can “do” to help get in that zone though, right?
Meditation is pretty much the art of just being, of playing witness instead of being actively involved in your thoughts. Some of the active meditation options can also help you to drop into the energy of yin.
My favorite way to drop into yin energy is with yin or restorative yoga. This is a slow practice of yoga, where you hold postures for an extended period of time. It encourages you to drop in, let go, and settle into each pose. It’s the exact opposite of a yang-inspired flow class.
Restorative Yoga with Pillows
Today, I’m sharing one of the classes from my Remote Yogi Tribe membership which will really help you drop into this yin energy.
Ready to really slow down and allow for some rest? Grab a big pile of pillows and join me on the mat (or your bed or couch), and let’s enjoy some restorative poses. We will be holding each pose from 3-5 minutes, so it’s a uniquely challenging class as we work to release our mind from the annoyance that we aren’t “doing anything.”
Allow yourself this opportunity to replenish your energy. Let this refuel you.
If you feel this is challenging, don’t sweat it. I found that students struggle with yin classes the most because it feels so uncomfortable to be doing so little. Let it be okay.
After the class, let us know – what did you enjoy the most about a yin practice? Did you struggle with anything? Comment below!
If you’re looking for more classes like this, along with powerful group coaching lessons and transformative meditations, head over to the Remote Yogi Tribe membership. Your first two weeks are on me, so what’s there to lose?
Sending you love from Bali,
