Table of contents
Happy June 30, 2023 – Yin or Restorative Asana
Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our journey through the Limbs of Yoga to the third limb – Asanas / poses, and we have a bonus meditation month for June. Although the moving meditation of Vinyasa style is most common, I find passive Yin and Restorative Yoga with Asanas held for an extended period to be meditative as well.
Yin is probably familiar to those in the west from “Yin and Yang” (PS Yang actually rhymes with pong, not pang!). Yin and Yang is a concept of complementary opposing forces. Yin represents dark, shade/shadow, feminine, and passive sides. Yang represents light, sun/light, male, and active sides. Yang Yoga Styles include Hot / Bikram Yoga and Vinyasa is also a very active style. So, we would expect a Yin class to be passive, and the opposite of an active / Vinyasa style class. Yin classes are often slow paced, with passive Asanas / poses held for a longer period of time.
Restorative Yoga is a type of Yin Yoga. This style usually utilizes props to support the body in Asanas / poses held for very long periods of time, typically 5-10 minutes. Restorative Yoga is typically extremely gentle and safest for Yogis with injuries.
Today’s Positive Practice suggestion
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is a Yin or Restorative series. Today is the last day of June – if you tried Yin or Restorative yesterday, today we will try the other style!
As I mentioned, Restorative Yoga typically requires a lot of support! I prefer lots of blankets, bolsters, and/or pillow for most restorative poses. I usually only use blocks during restorative practice for support under limbs… I usually prefer couch pillow for my head! If you do not have a bolster, you can try a large firm pillow.
Recommended Videos
Restorative Yoga (bolster or large firm pillow required)
Check out a sped-up version the Yin video above, to get a quick idea of what this style is like! You will notice passive poses held for an extended period of time, often with support from blocks, bolsters, or pillows.
Like this Yoga set? Click here for product links and discount codes!
Want to check out more types of Yoga? Check out our Asana Styles Guide!
Check out our Top 5 Yoga Mats and Equipment for Newbies!
You may want to try a block, couch pillow, blanket, or bolster to help yourself find a comfortable seat.
Top 5 Yoga Equipment for Newbies
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This page contains affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, may earn me a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.
More Positive Practices
Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!
Related Positive Practices
Share your Practice
Please comment to share your experience with these Yin and Restorative series! Which version did you try? What did you think? Always remember, be kind!
One thought on “Meditation June 2023: Yin or Restorative Asana Series”