Yoga_Journal_USA_Your_6Week_2017

PHOTOS: MARTIN SCONDUTO; MODEL: SARAH POWERS; STYLIST: LYN HEINEKEN; HAIR/MAKEUP: CHRIS M

CDONALD

post-practice

When you’re ready to release

the practice, take Adho Mukha

Svanasana (Downward-Facing

Dog Pose) for 5 slow breaths.

Don’t be too careful; instead,

let the breath move through

you, creating a little dance until

you settle into Child’s Pose,

with your arms beside you, for

2–3 minutes. Feel the warmth

of your practice and the weight

of your heart releasing.

purpose

Based in ancient Chinese

medicine, yin (more femi-

nine or quiet) practices are

designed to unwind tension

in the mind. This sequence

may seem to be all about the

hips, but remember: The

muscles in the hips touch

every area of the body.

Learn to stand or sit with

them at ease, and you may

find greater inner peace.

preparation

Engage with each pose at your

appropriate edge, being respect-

ful of your body while also explor-

ing your potential. Be come still,

just as you would during medita-

tion, and relax deeply into each

pose—feel its healing effect on

your body and mind. Aim to stay

in each pose for 3–5 minutes; if

you can only manage 1 minute,

then start there.

Stress hormones like

adrenalin and cortisol

make us gain weight.

Solution? Yin Yoga,

which is pure serenity

and relaxation.

with Sarah Powers

STRESS LESS

TO SLIM

yoga living

108 YOGAJOURNAL.COM YOUR 6-WEEK YOGA GUIDE TO BUILD STRENGTH