Yin Immersion Retreat

Yin Yoga Retreat (course description):   This 2-day mini retreat will introduce you to the world of Yin and somatic meditation!  Immerse yourself into a weekend where you slow down and listen to your body.

We will begin by sharing the historical roots of this ancient practice and then dive into poses that support the meridian pairs and associated elements (ether, air, fire, water, and earth).

What is Yin Yoga?Yin yoga is a posture-based practice that releases habitual tension by holding yoga poses with little to no muscular effort for an extended period of time (typically 2-5 minutes). Props may be used to guide this progressive muscular release. The longer hold times in each yoga pose gives the mind time to “tune in” and  embrace what  is felt within the body (soma) from physical, emotional, and/or spiritual levels. Yin yoga helps the body respond to physical and emotional stressors by targeting the yin tissues (fascia and connective tissues) to soften and release towards the ground thereby promoting the flow of yin energy (welcoming feelings like quiet, calm, contentment, and ease). 

There are many benefits to Yin Yoga. Most commonly Yin Yoga has been known to alleviate pain, mental fatigue, and stress. Yin Yoga also has been known to promote relaxation, improve one’s body image, assist with acceptance of self and others, and establish warmth and connection with self and others.

Is Yin Yoga the same as Restorative Yoga?  Yin yoga is not Restorative Yoga. Although both forms of yoga have similar goals—quiet the mind and release habitual tension—they work differently. Yin yoga uses props to progressively guide your body closer to the ground as you find your “edge” or level of meditative stillness—supported by breath—to relax yin tissues (fascia and connective tissues). Restorative yoga uses props to bring the ground up to you, by meeting your body where you currently are so you can use the breath to quiet the mind and release muscle tension.

Participant Safety:While Yin Yoga is a wonderful complement to more active yoga styles (like Hatha, ashtanga and vinyasa), during the immersive Yin Yoga retreat participants are encouraged to avoid yang-like activities (e.g.-active yoga forms, running, high intensity interval training). After participating in a long Yin Yoga practice your body may feel like you had a deep tissue massage. Muscle soreness may be felt. Staying hydrated is important to minimize these effects. Sometimes extremities can feel water-logged and joints may feel loose. Being mindful of your movements can prevent unwanted injury.

Event Dates/Times:  Saturday, 10/12 from 2-6:30PM and Sunday, 10/13 from 12-5PM. 

Pricing: Early Bird $175 

Registration after Oct. 1 is $210 Subscription Holders receive 10% off.

What is provided?: Event handouts. Props for yoga practice. Tea/water for snack breaks. 

What should I bring? Participants bring your yoga mat, notebook, pen/pencil and a water bottle/healthy snack. 

Day 1-Saturday

2-2:15 PM      Welcome & Safety Discussion

2:15-3PM       Historical Roots of Yin Yoga (Introduction into Yin/Yang Theory, Meridians, somatic meditation)

3-4:30 PM      Yin Practice with pose focus on Lungs-large intestine (Metal)

4:30-5PM        Break/snack & tea time

5-5:15 PM       Reflections of experienced practice, discussion of poses

5:15-6:15 PM  Yin Practice with pose focus on Stomach-Spleen (Earth)

6:15-6:30 PM  Reflections of experienced practice, discussion of poses

Day 2-Sunday

12-12:15 PM    Welcome/Time for Questions/Reflections

12:15-1:15 PM Yin Practice with pose focus on Kidney-urinary bladder (Water)

1-2:30 PM         Yin Practice with pose focus on Heart-small intestine/Triple Burner-pericardium (Fire)

2:30-3PM          Break/snack & tea time

3-3:30 PM         Reflections of experienced practice, discussion of poses

3:30-4:30 PM    Yin Practice with pose focus on Liver-gall bladder (wood)

4:30-5:00 PM    Reflections of experienced practice, discussion of poses, Closing

Instructor:  Karen Groller