Immersing into Yin with Maria Levantinou
Immersing into Yin | A Yin Yoga Workshop: from theory to practice
An Introductory Workshop on the Philosophy, Practice and Practical Application of Yin Yoga in our lives.
The less you do, the more you achieve. Lao Tzu
For one Sunday a month, we dim the school lights, we light candles and dive into the beautiful and loving world of Yin Yoga. We invite you on Sundays, October 6, November 3 and December 8 in the afternoon for the 3 introductory seminars "A Yin Yoga Workshop: from theory to practice" with Maria Levantinou.
A few words from Maria..
In addition to learning to take responsibility and take control of life into one's own hands, it is also good to learn when and how to let go and surrender to the flow, without resisting or fighting it. Surrendering rather than keeping control - another version of 'being' rather than 'doing', that primordial polarity of yin and yang, manifesting in the world through a thousand different forms and never running out. It does not mean that one of the two is right, that 'being' is better than 'doing' - it is simply a matter of finding the right balance, the natural harmony between yin and yang that the ancient Chinese called the Tao - between 'doing' and 'being', controlling and allowing, resisting and opening, fighting and surrendering, changing and accepting. (Ken Wilber).
On the path of Yin Yoga you are given the opportunity to get in touch with the Basic Principles that characterize it, based on the philosophy of the spiritual tradition of Taoism and Zen Buddhism. Concepts such as Yin Yang, Tao, Shunyata, which probably sound abstract to you so far, you learn to cultivate them, become aware of them and eventually integrate them into your personal experience. With respect for your time, your body and your need for space and a safe place, you are invited to cultivate "acceptance", which is the essence of Yin practice.
Yin practice is characterized by its slow pace. And this rhythm is maintained throughout, as it offers you the so-and-so to listen to and follow the physical structure of your body, while at the same time experiencing on an energetic level the free flow of chi (energy) through the meridians (energy channels) of the body. Your nervous system is activated and balanced, the energy in your body is regulated, your breathing regains its calm rhythm, offering you the experience of deep physical and emotional relaxation.
On a physical level, in Yin Yoga we consciously relax the muscular system with the use of props, in order to penetrate deeper into the connective tissue (fascia). The yang muscles, being active, maintain and increase their strength and elasticity through movement and repetition, as at the same time one of their main functions is to protect the joints.
But when the muscles relax, we gain access to the yin areas of the body, namely the bones, joints, tendons and connective tissue (fascia) especially in the area from the navel to the knees, which is deeply expanded and restored through staying in one position (posture) for longer than usual. The deep stretching and restoration of the connective tissues that form the joints of the pelvic, leg and spine areas eliminates energy blockages in these areas, allowing accumulated physical and emotional tension to be released from the body. The therapeutic dimension of Yin is clearly reflected in the simplicity of the postures it utilizes in order to get in touch with your body, your breath, your emotions as well as your state of mind.
This is precisely why the challenge in a Yin practice no longer lies in the advanced positions, as there is not even the concept of beginners and advanced practitioners. Instead, the challenge you are called upon to face is surrendering to the Now.
DATE
Sundays October 6, November 3 & December 8 | 18:00-20:00