Sthira Sukham Asanam

"Alertness without tension, relaxation without dullness""

-T. K. V. Desikachar

For those who would like to deepen their knowledge and practice of Yin Yoga there is our 50 hour training and for those who would  like to share the gift of yoga and become Yoga Teachers there is our 100 hour training. You do not have to be super flexible we only ask your dedication.

In this module we will focus on Svadyaya (self-inquiry) in a Yin way. 

It was Paul Grilley who brought Yin yoga into the spotlights here in the West. His main idea is that by relaxing the muscles, a Yang tissue, our body makes space to stress our joints, ligaments, fascia and tendons. These tissues are Yin tissues. 

Both Yin and Yang tissues need training, although most physical practices focus on Yang. Our Western lifestyles are often Yang. With Yin Yoga we try to compensate the Yang by training the Yin of our bodies.     

Our aims are:

- Discovering our own ROM (range of motion) within the 20 Yin poses.

- Recognizing the differences in other bodies: Why are some flexible in certain poses and others not? What do tension and compression mean and how can we work with these variables? How can we prevent injuries in Yin Yoga?    

- Experiencing how to teach teach a Yin class. For learning "teaching skills” we advise you to do the full 100 hours. 

To amplify the diversities of our unique anatomy, we want each student to find their perfect personal Yin pose. To find your perfect pose – since each body is unique – we discuss different options within the 20 Yin poses. We look at the use of props, or other options when props are not available. 

To complete Part I, students have to attend regular Yin classes at Yoga Minds or another (approved by the teacher) school of Yoga. Students also have to hand in a written self-inquiry essay.

• Basic Anatomy in Yin Yoga

• Different Yin Poses & possible varieties

•  How and when to use props

• How and when to adjust

• Myofascial release (how and when to apply myofascial balls)  

• Art of Meditation and Savasana

• Use of breath and Pranayama in Yin Yoga

• Understanding Chi, Nadi and Kundalini

• The 8 fold path of Patanjali and Yin Yoga.

Materials: reader, hand-outs & Yin Yoga Asana book     

Obliged book: Bernie Clark – The complete guide to Yin Yoga. 

In this module Svadyaya (self-inquiry) will become our tool to learn how to teach Yin Yoga in a more profound way. Philosophy of Yin Yoga and teaching skills are the main focus. 

Our aims are:

- Recapping Part I: Knowing the 20 Yin poses and their possible varieties. 

- Studying the 12 meridians in Yin and Yang pairs and learning their philosophy. 

- Connecting the meridians to the 20 Yin poses to create a more energetically stimulated yoga practice. 

- Learning skills to teach a yoga class: when and how to adjust verbally and manually.

To complete Part II, students have to attend regular Yin classes at Yoga Minds or another (approved by the teacher) school of Yoga. This part will be finished with a written exam.

• Repetition of Module I
• Differences between Yin & Yang Yoga 
• Yang sequences by Suzee Grilley
• TCM & Five element theory  
• 12 Meridians, acupressure points and basic introduction of Tuina  
• Art of touch with help of Tuina
• How to teach: didactics & set-up Yin lessons 
• Materials: Reader, hand-outs, (Part I Yin Yoga Asana Book) 

Obliged books: Sarah Powers – Insight Yoga  

More then 15 years yoga has been a part of my life. I started my practice - 15 year ago -  when Yoga styles were not yet a big thing. I tried any class that came onto my path and seemed interesting; Hatha, Vinyasa, Asthanga, Iyengar, Kundalini, Yin, Restorative and more. Yoga was always Yoga for me. Whatever the name, I enjoy(ed) all.

Learning subjects of the Yoga Minds Academy Yin training.

- Svadhyaya | self enquiry
- How to teach authentic
- knowledge of the Asanas
- Meridians & Yoga
- Yin Yoga Anatomy
- Pranayama (breathing techniques)
- Meditation
- Teaching skills
- Yin Yoga philosophy
- How to use props
- Assisting and Adjusting