29/04/2026
In a world that prioritises doing over being, achievements over allowing, striving over stillness, perhaps possibly some yin qualities might be helpful. Being more here might mean we need less stuff. Instead of constantly emphasising upward and outward, maybe encouraging some downward and inward. Less about consumption and growth, more about moments of awareness, more about space where we can observe, soften, create.
This can also happen on the yoga mat because sometimes the ways in which we practise are just another beating up. Flagellation yoga. Striving with that determination to push the body into particular postures. It is not a surprise that many are exhausted.
Maybe being more yin might cultivate some circumstances where our practice is more about falling in love: less being bullied, more a befriending. Less seeing body as a machine and brain as a computer, more feeling all within our skin as a living miracle – from zygote (that first cell formed when a s***m cell fertilises an egg cell) to now this. Wow. What a trip…
In words from psychologist Alison Gopnik: “The world really is astonishing, wonderful and unexpected and there is always more to learn.” Perhaps creating a life-sustaining society where we can be celebrating the magic of aliveness. Perhaps choosing empowerment, collaboration, ritual and composting over the shiny screens of consumerism and the silent screams of individualised despair.
After teaching Yin yoga for more than 20 years (and making many mistakes along the way), this is something that I recently wrote: ‘More Tips for Practising (and Teaching) Yin Yoga’.
More Tips for Practising (and Teaching) Yin Yoga - a list detailing some views and perspectives that may be helpful.
