DEVELOPING A PERSONAL PRACTICE 221not only tension in the body, but also stress in the mind. The trap for some
people, though, is that they push too much during their lives and then they
tend to push within their yin poses. This pushing mentality is yang when
we want to induce yin. This type of person will benefit from a softer, more
effortless breath to practice letting go and letting be.
In my own practice, I adjust the breath to what feels right. In certain posi-
tions, I might feel more resistance and therefore will breathe deeper. In an
instance like this, I might start with deeper breathing, and then a couple of
minutes in, I might shift to a more effortless approach. In some positions that
feel sweet and comfortable, I might leave the breath alone the entire time.
My advice is to trust yourself. If your inner voice is asking for more breath,
then breathe more, and if it is not, then let the breath become natural. Also,
anytime you notice your mind wandering in a pose, taking a deeper inha-
lation can refocus your attention. Keep in mind that working with a gentle
ujjayi breath throughout your physical yin practice is considered pranayama.
Traditionally, people start with their physical practice, then move into
pranayama practice, and finish with meditation. Each stage prepares them
for the next and by the time they get to meditation, they feel completely set
up. It can be difficult for people to jump straight into meditation because the
mind feels active, busy, and restless. After a good yin practice followed by
pranayama, the mind has had sufficient time to adjust.
Although people typically use this sequence, it is OK to explore rearranging
the order. Sometimes I start a yin yoga practice with a meditation or pra-
nayama, which can have a powerful effect. Several rounds of a pranayama
practice can set the stage for a deep yin yoga practice.
It’s been mentioned before, but feel free to explore and see what feels right.
I have shared with you many pranayama practices, meditations, poses, and
now sequences. You will make great discoveries simply by showing up on
your mat and trying different things. Your practice is an inquiry. Ask yourself,
“What will happen if I do this today?” Try it and see what happens. It will
be amazing, or you will know it doesn’t work. Either way, you have gained
a new insight and have increased your wisdom. There are no mistakes, only
discoveries.
“What you do every day matters more than what
you do once in a while.” —Gretchen RubinINCORPORATING YANG SEQUENCES
INTO YOUR PRACTICE
Although this is a yin yoga book, I want to include the following yang
sequences as a bonus. Just as yin and yang are complementary qualities,
a strong yang sequence can be a great balance for a yin yoga sequence.