Yin Yoga & the Earth Element: The Centre Within
The Earth Element in Chinese Medicine: My Take Hey Yinnies! Today, I’m exploring the earth element from the perspectives of Chinese medicine and Taoism. If you’ve ever wondered what the earth element is really about—or if you’ve heard many different things in your yoga teacher training—this post is for you. I’m going OG with this one, sharing what I’ve learned from my studies and experience, and maybe challenging some of the “standard” stuff you’ve heard before. Why the Earth Element? … Read More
Mentorship Matters In Yin Yoga – Dr. Karina Smith
I’m excited to share my latest podcast episode featuring Dr. Karina Smith who is a return guest of the podcast. Karina is a Melbourne-based doctor of Chinese Medicine and Yin Yoga teacher. We delve into the multi-faceted world of mentorship and how it shapes our journeys as Yoga practitioners and teachers. Finding Mentors and Being Mentored Mentorship plays a critical role in any teacher’s journey, especially in Yoga. Whether you’re stepping into your first teaching gig or you’re a seasoned … Read More
10 Mistakes Yin Yoga Teachers Make
Whether you’re a seasoned Yoga Yin teacher or someone stepping into the world of teaching Yin Yoga for the first time, understanding common pitfalls can enhance your teaching journey. In this episode, we’ll dive into the ten most common mistakes I see Yin Yoga teachers make and how to avoid them. Additionally, I’ll include a bonus mistake that many might not consider but is equally important. 10 Mistakes Yin Yoga Teachers Make If you’ve been a part of my … Read More
Humility & Integrity: Are You Ready To Train Teachers – Grace Tempany
Entering the realm of training Yoga teachers is a significant step in any teacher’s journey. Sometimes, Yoga teachers assume that training teachers is the next logical step in their career. But training teachers is not the same skill set as teaching the general public. And most teachers rush into training teachers before they are ready. Deciding to train teachers requires careful reflection, not just on your expertise, but on your readiness to guide others in their teaching paths. Here’s how … Read More
Book Review: The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga with Bernie Clark
Welcome to the World of Yin Yoga I recently had the pleasure of diving deep into a conversation with Bernie Clarke who needs no introduction in the world of Yin Yoga, particularly known for his work on YinYoga.com and his Yin Yoga book: The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga: The Philosophy and Practice of Yin Yoga You can check out my two part interview with Bernie here One of the most frequent questions I get: “What Yin Yoga book should … Read More
When a Student Falls Asleep In Yin Yoga
This weeks topic is about an awkward aspect of teaching Yoga: managing students who occasionally drift off to sleep during Yin Yoga class. The Honourable Snore: A Teacher’s Evolution In my early years teaching Iyengar-influenced Yoga, I was instructed that the final stillness practice, known as Savasana, was not a time for sleeping. My initial approach was to wake students gently, but as time progressed, my understanding evolved. I Experienced A Revelation witnessing my students in their restful state was … Read More
Why Yin Yoga Teachers Need a Home Practice
Today’s Theme: Home Practice Today’s topic is starting or rekindling a Yin Yoga practice at home. This was prompted by a question raised during my recent teacher training. Let’s explore why having a self-led home practice is crucial for yin yoga teachers. The Importance of Home Practice When I say home practice, I don’t just mean practicing Yoga in your home. Having a home practice means practicing Yoga independently, without the guidance of a video or a teacher in real … Read More
Yin Yoga Is Not Entertainment
Yin Yoga Is Not Entertainment The current trend within the Yoga community often leans towards treating yoga classes as entertainment. This notion is prevalent among certain yoga students who are accustomed to dynamic vinyasa flows, or as I call them, the vinyasa bunnies. They often expect classes packed with complex sequences and vibrant music. But Yin Yoga challenges this mindset by offering a still, introspective experience that focuses on interoception—awareness of what’s happening inside. The Essence of Yin Yoga Yin … Read More
Pigeon or Swan? Unpacking Yin Yoga Pose Names
The Genesis of Yin Yoga Pose Names Would a Yin Yoga Pose by any other name feel as sweet? When my teacher, Paul Grilley, began codifying Yin Yoga, it was at a time of a sea of rigid alignment rules. His innovative decision to rename poses allowed for a break from these conventions, facilitating a deeper understanding of individuality in poses—a profound influence on the Yoga world that remains today. Navigating the Name Game Within the yin community, you’ll find … Read More
Yin Yoga and The Middle Way- Norman Blair
I’m excited to share my conversation with Norman Blair. If you’re ready to get comfy and dive in, grab a cup of tea (or coffee, we don’t judge here), and let’s get into it. Norman is pretty well-known when it comes to Yin Yoga, and he’s got some cool insights about how yoga can transform your life. but in case you aren’t familiar. Who’s Norman Blair Anyway? Norman’s been doing his Yoga thing since the ’90s, way before it was … Read More