The Quiet Power of Yin: Why Your Body and Mind Need Stillness (45 minutes)
\n\nIn a world that moves fast\, it&rsquo\;s easy to get caught up in doing&mdash\;chasing goals\, hitting workouts\, crossing things off the list. But what if the most powerful transformation comes not from movement\, but from stillness?
\n\nYin Yoga:
\n\nYin is a slow\, introspective practice where poses are held for several minutes at a time. It targets the deep connective tissues \;of the body&mdash\;fascia\, ligaments\, and joints&mdash\;encouraging deep release and long-term flexibility. But Yin isn&rsquo\;t just about the body\; it&rsquo\;s a practice that reaches into the mind and heart.
\n\nHere are just a few reasons to roll out your mat and settle in:
\n\nImproved Flexibility &\; Joint Health: \;Long holds help hydrate and lengthen connective tissues\, supporting mobility and easing tension.
\nNervous System Reset: \;Yin activates the parasympathetic nervous system (your "\;rest and digest"\; mode)\, making it a powerful tool for managing stress and anxiety.
\nEmotional Release: \;By holding poses and becoming still\, emotions stored in the body&mdash\;especially in areas like the hips&mdash\;can gently surface and dissolve.
\nMental Clarity: \;Yin fosters mindfulness. With fewer distractions\, you learn to sit with discomfort\, observe your thoughts\, and find peace in presence.
\nEnergetic Balance: \;Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine\, Yin supports the flow of qi (energy) through the body&rsquo\;s meridian channels\, promoting balance and vitality.
\n\nYin teaches us that there is strength in surrender. In stillness\, we stretch not just our bodies\, but our capacity for patience\, awareness\, and compassion.
\n\nSo the next time you'\;re craving balance\, consider this: You don&rsquo\;t always need to do more. Sometimes\, you just need to be.
\n\nYoga Nidra: Deep Relaxation for Your Body &\; Mind (35-40 minutes)
\n\nYoga Nidra is a meditative practice that offers very deep relaxation. Research shows it&rsquo\;s able to improve symptoms of anxiety and depression\, increase blood flow to the brain\, promote the release of dopamine and help to regulate hormonal fluctuations. One hour of yoga nidra can equate to four hours of sleep. Delta brain waves (those present in our deepest and most rejuvenating stage of sleep) promote rest and relaxation that have also been found during a yoga nidra meditation session. With continued practice\, a practitioner \;is able to access the deeper layers of the mind\, promoting manifestation of any mindful intention.
\n\nEach person will settle in for their most comfortable savasana\, letting their body relax\, almost sleep-like\, while their mind stays awake and aware. Michelle\, your guide during the practice\, will begin the session with a meditation designed to lead those practicing to an altered state of consciousness. Afterwards\, we will spend a little time reorienting ourselves back to our surroundings and reflecting on the experience.
\n\nThe nidra practice will take about an hour.
\n\nCurious to learn more about yoga nidra? Check out this journal article \;(cited below) which outlines the history\, method and benefits of the practice.
\n\nCitations:
\n\nPandi-Perumal SR\, Spence DW\, Srivastava N\, Kanchibhotla D\, Kumar K\, Sharma GS\, Gupta R\, Batmanabane G. The Origin and Clinical Relevance of Yoga Nidra. Sleep Vigil. 2022\;6(1):61-84. doi: 10.1007/s41782-022-00202-7. Epub 2022 Apr 23. PMID: 35496325\; PMCID: PMC9033521.
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\n\nPlease arrive 5-10 minutes early and come to the workshop wearing comfy clothes. \;A sweatshirt or extra layer would be a good idea as well\; the body&rsquo\;s temperature will drop during the practice. You can also bring water.
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\n\nThis workshop operates on a pay-what-you-want basis. To celebrate Pride Month\, all proceeds will be donated to a local organization that supports the LGBTQ+ community.
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