Yin & Somatics for Self Acceptance
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Podcast: Yin & Somatics for Self Acceptance
In this very supported practice we will be focusing on the movements of the spine: delicious forward folds, sublime twists, exquisite sidebands and soft hearted back bends. As we gently experience the body in these movements and poses, we will explore an idea from the Buddhist tradition, that it takes a strong back and a soft heart to practice compassion. Throughout your practice, I’ll be encouraging you to direct your compassion and self acceptance inward. You’ll get to experiment and feel these ideas in your body and in your practice.
Bell Hand
This is a sublime practice that is equal parts restorative Yin and meditation. We will take some absolutely delicious poses as we meditate on, of all things, the hand. Your nervous system dedicates a great deal of resources to your hand. By relaxing the hand, you can relax and self regulate your brain, your mind, your body. You won’t believe how fast this hour goes by, and how incredible you feel after.
Sublime Side Bends
This is the kind of wiggly, stretchy, feel-y practice that I love. We will focus our movement on more comfortable side bending, but I think that you will find that the side bend contributes to many other movements like shoulder comfort and hip mobility.
Homage to Your Spine
Your spine is the most exquisite structure. Capable of incredible mobility and unparalleled stability, it’s been evolving for millions of years and has within it the intelligence of eons. Yet, if you listen to popular culture and even some Yoga wisdom, the spine is very delicate. It is in need of protection and only truly stable in a few select positions.
Yin & Meditation for Acceptance
This practice is about moving forward with compassion, rather than squashing our feelings or disappointment or grief. We will explore poses that focus on the shoulders, chest and upper back as we progress through a gentle meditation. Our meditation is loosely based on the Tonglen or Lions’ Roar practice from the Tibetan Buddhism.