Yin Yoga

Overview

The materials on these DVDs will provide you with everything you need add Yin Yoga to your life. In addition to carefully planned classes that lead you through the practice, Paul Grilley presents an in-depth lecture on the theory and purpose of Yin Yoga that brilliantly establishes the benefits of this practice for a healthy and balanced life. It is our wish that you find this balance in your own life through these wonderful practices.

The Yin and Yang of Yoga: a Taoist Perspective

The fundamental insight of the ancient Taoists (Chinese Yogis) is that on one level of awareness there are always opposites called Yin and Yang, but on a higher level of awareness these opposites are united in a single purpose called “Tao.”

When we are ambitious and energetic, the life force flows through our muscles, the Yang layer of the body. This is the essential attitude of Yang, the creative force without which there would never be anything new. When we are peaceful and contented, the life force flows through our skeletal system, the Yin layer of the body. This is the essential attitude of Yin, the quiet insight without which there would never be peace of mind.

The Tao of health is to embrace, nourish and cultivate both of these essential layers of the body. Only by doing this do we find true balance.

A Taoist analysis of Yoga practice emphasizes the critical difference between Yin and Yang tissues of the body. Muscles and blood are Yang, connective tissues and joints are Yin. Yin and Yang tissues do not respond to training in the same way and a student’s practice becomes more effective when the difference is understood.

Balancing Yin and Yang

Most forms of Yoga practiced today are Yang—they emphasize muscular movement and contraction. By contrast Yin Yoga targets the connective tissue of the hips, pelvis and lower spine. Connective tissue responds best to gentle stress over a long period of time, so Yin postures are held for longer periods. This type of practice complements the more muscular styles of Yoga and is a great aid for learning to sit in meditation.

Many people find that a Yin Yoga practice has transformative effects on body and mind. The gentle but consistent stimulation to the connective tissues encourages long-term health and flexibility of the joints, recharges the energetic system of the body and naturally draws the mind inward into a relaxed, meditative state.

Details

This 2-disc set contains over 5 1/2 hours of material, including:

• • 108 minutes of theory lecture
• • 2 fully guided Yin practice sequences of over 60 minutes each
• • 1 fully guided Yin & Yang practice sequence of 60 minutes
• • 3 specially choreographed Yang sequences
• • 8 voice-only guided Yin sequences of adjustable length
• • Customizable playback of the Yin and Yang practices to create new sequences

Buyer's Guide

• Audience: Beginners to Advanced, all fitness levels
• Focus: Long-held, relaxed static postures
• Intensity: Low intensity
• Props: Yoga mat, blanket and bolster (optional
• Style: Yin Yoga

Media Reviews

"Grilley is an intelligent and empathic teacher and a congenial raconteur, both educator and entertainer. His technique can potentially help increase flexibility and self-acceptance, not only in your asana practice but in your daily life. And this is a great resource for learning it."

"This beautifully produced and packaged 2-DVD set contains 5-1/2 hours of exquisite material. In the 2 hours of lectures, Paul does an amazing job at explaining and illustrating the theory behind Yin Yoga, and why this approach of extended holding of poses is beneficial to the joints and the energy channels of the body. With three one-hour live yin yoga classes, three yang yoga sequences and eight yin yoga slideshow practices, this DVD contains an astounding amount of information and instruction. Paul provides an in depth commentary and comprehensive instruction in the yin yoga classes. A great alternate audio option is included in these 3 videos that removes the detailed commentary and adds soothing background music for a more introspective experience.

“Overall this is an exceptional DVD set, full of fascinating information and is highly recommended for yogis of all levels and experience."

Customer Reviews

Also from Paul Grilley

About Paul Grilley

In the summer of 1979 Paul Grilley was inspired to study yoga after reading Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda. After two years study of anatomy with Dr. Garry Parker, he relocated from his home in Montana to Los Angeles to continue his studies at UCLA.

During his thirteen years as a yoga teacher in Los Angeles, Paul studied Taoist yoga with martial arts champion Paulie Zink. He also had the opportunity to study with Dr. Hiroshi Motoyama in Japan, as well as host seminars with him in the United States. Paul also has a Master's Degree from St. John's College in the study of the Great Books of the Western World. Paul enjoys reading in esoteric subjects and science, continuously looking for bridges between these two fields of study. He lives in Oregon with his wife Suzee.

Find more information about Paul on his website, www.paulgrilley.com.

You can learn more about Paul in our exclusive interview: Paul Grilley on Meridians and Cadavers.