Movement is Everything

Since moving our offices to Lincoln Park, I’ve been exploring Yin yoga at Eb & Flow. I have enjoyed the gradual calming and softening of various connective tissues, particularly in my neck and legs. All very nice. THEN I did a teacher training workshop that lasted eighteen hours over a weekend. I learned how Yin is different–what it does with the nervous system and connective tissues–and the profound effect it can have on aging bodies.

Yin is a practice of placing oneself into a position that creates a moderate gravity stretch, allowing the soft, non-muscular tissues(fascia, ligaments, tendons)to lengthen and relax. Breathing consciously is the essence. Stillness is the other essential component. Establishing oneself in a position that allows for a gentle pulling stress–it’s called “finding your edge”–is the third key component.

The immediate result of engaging in a Yin class, or series of poses, is a feeling of looseness and relaxation that defies words. But more importantly, the effects of regular, balanced practice include better posture, an enhanced sense of calm and well-being, and ease with other activities.

My interest in becoming a Yin expert is to round out the work I’m doing with my patients. Bodywork is all well and good, but having tools to enhance your own body’s ability to move well–freely, painlessly, gracefully–on an ongoing basis, not just for a few days or even weeks following a treatment–that’s my goal.

Because after all, movement is everything! Whatever it takes to keep the spine supple, hips and shoulders open, arms and legs in harmony, that’s what I’m after. My second teacher training is coming up this weekend. Stay tuned.