Paul Grilley has said that Yin Yoga targets the area from the navel to the knees because these are the yin-areas of the body (the lower portions). As we grow older, the lower back and hips tend to shrink-wrap and tighten much more than the upper body. While we can apply the philosophy of Yin Yoga to all joints of the body, including the upper body, it is natural to choose the hips and spine as the primary targeted areas for our practice. To plan a flow for a Yin Yoga class that targets these areas, we can begin by considering the various ways that these joints can move and then select postures that take the hips and spine through all their degrees of freedom…
I Hyperextend My Knees:
Is This Bad?
(Probably Not)
Does your standing leg look like that of the woman in the photo doing king dancer pose (natarajasana)-slightly hyperextended when standing on the one foot? Have you ever been corrected and told to “micro-bend” your knees? Were you told this is to protect your joints and ligaments? Well, maybe it is-but maybe a little hyperextension of the knees is actually the healthiest thing for your knees!
In this 8-hour course, you’ll receive an in-depth overview of yin yoga, plus 8 practices from Bernie Clark. Whether you’re a total yoga beginner, a seasoned yogi who is new to yin yoga, or an experienced yin practitioner or teacher, this course will inspire and deepen your practice. What you’ll learn:
The three principles of the yin yoga practice.
How to adopt a functional approach to your yoga practice as opposed to an aesthetic approach.
How to stimulate energy flow and remove blockages.
Ways to transform your practice to better serve you, in all your uniqueness.
PS – Use the “secret” code YINBC15, you will get 15% off!
Yin is In! Yin Yoga has been with us since the beginning of Hatha Yoga centuries ago. But since the early 19th century, yoga has become more and more yang-like in nature. Everything requires balance: yin completes yang. Yin Yoga is the balancing practice for the more active, muscular yang yogas. There are more and more teachers offering Yin Yoga today, and more workshops and opportunities to learn how to become a Yin Yoga teacher. If diving deeper into the yin-side of life is on your bucket list, there are lots of opportunities for you.
Upcoming Trainings and Retreats with Bernie Clark
7-Day Yin Yoga Teacher Training
August 20th-26th, 2018; September 24th to 30th, 2018; Oct 29th to November 4th, 2018;
February 11th-17th, 2019; April 1st-7th, 2019; May 6th-12th, 2019; June 3rd-9th, 2019; July 22nd-28th, 2019; August 19th-25th, 2019; September 23rd-29th, 2019; November 4th-10th, 2019<.
All of these 50-hour courses will be at the Semperviva Yoga Studios, in Vancouver, Canada. The Yin Yoga Teacher Training Program offered at the Semperviva Yoga College is a unique way to deepen your yoga practice and touch tissues rarely worked in a more active yang style of yoga. For 200 hour certified teachers the credits of the course can be applied towards the 500 hour certification offered by Semperviva, and are eligible for CEUs with Yoga Alliance. (CEUs = Continuing Education Units and are required to maintain your status as a Registered Yoga Teacher).
For more details or to register, check the Semperviva web page or call them at 604-739-2009.
Meditation Revealed With Bernie Clark & Nathalie Keiller February 17th-24th 2019 June 9th-June 16th 2019
This course will examine what meditation is, why we do it (its many benefits, spiritually, psychologically and physically), and how to do it, from a variety of viewpoints: From Eastern Yogic and Buddhist views to Western Psychotherapeutic understanding. The course will include personal, one-on-one training in Deep Meditation, as well as group instruction, to give the student an experiential basis for the practice of meditation. Held at the Semperviva Yoga Studios – Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Learn More
If you are having trouble finding a Yin Yoga teacher near you, or if you are traveling to somewhere new, try checking out the updated Directory of Yin Yoga teachers. We have hundreds of teachers registered from all over the world. If you are a teacher and are not in the directory, just send us your information and we’ll be happy to add you.
Paul Grilley, Sarah Powers and Biff Mithoefer are each planning a full load of workshops all over the world. You can check out their schedules at their home web pages:
Many teachers around the world are creating Yin Yoga based workshops and retreats. Some of them are posting these activities on our Forum page. Check it out. There may be one happening near you. (If you are a teacher, feel free to add yours to the page!)
Teacher Trainings & Retreats There are several Yin Yoga teacher training courses being held by Bernie Clark in the coming year, including a special 40-hour course called Meditation Revealed.
Checking out Other Interesting Events There are many teachers leading workshops, Yin Yoga retreats and Teacher Trainings. Click here to learn more.
