In Bali we believe that everything exists as a duality, this is what makes a cosmic balance to the universe. To bring balance all opposites must exist: good and evil – birth and death – health and sickness – young and old – good and bad, and so on. Constantly the universe adjusts itself to bring the perfect balance between Yin and Yang.
The Balinese believe in the existence of forces both good and bad, and strive to maintain balance and harmony in their world. Yin and Yang are relative to each other and one cannot exist without the other. The two make one.
Yin is more internal and passive and yang is more external and dynamic.
In Western culture many of us live a very active, yang oriented fast live with lots of external stimulations and long working hours. There is a risk over becoming overstimulated and experiencing bumouts or health problems. This is why we need to balance the Yang life with some more Yin activities. Make time for quietness and calmness.
What is Yin Yoga?
A Yin Yoga class consists of passive, long-held floor poses that mainly work on the lower part of the body, it works on the lower spine – hips – pelvis – inner thighs. The areas that are rich in connective tissues. The poses are hold for a few minutes, with mindful awareness of the sensations and thoughts that come up. It’s not only Yin Yoga itself that is a Yin orientated yoga class, also Restorative Yoga and meditation are Yin oriental Yoga styles.
By bringing both Yin and Yang aspects in your life, we can experience the benefits of both and use them in different ways. To start your yoga practice with some Yin can calm and clear the head. It also helps to start with some Yin poses if you are feeling tired.
Yin yoga is helping to open up your heart, calm the nervous system and allowing your body to completely relax. Yin Yoga gives you to possibility to thanking yourself to be who you are. When you practice Yin yoga, you give yourself the time to do nothing than just breathing. The perfect way to slow your mind down and just relax.
At Pelan Pelan Bali’s yoga retreat in Canggu, we usually surf in the morning and end our day with a yoga practice. With surfing we built up tension, for example in your shoulders, with a Yin orientated yoga class we can release this tension that you have built up during your surfing.
Often we start our yoga classes Yin orientated to ground you, relax and calm the nervous system. Also we finish the class with Yin a yin pose: Savasana, the relaxation pose. On Friday we often do a whole class of Yin orientated asanas, to complete relax after a full week of surfing, and preparing your mind for the weekend.
Practice yoga with us here in a relaxed environment – Pelan Pelan Bali.