In the tranquil environment of The Shala, Lucas and Kimhye engage in a thoughtful dialogue about the depth and intricacies of Yin Yoga. Their conversation sheds light on the practice's ability to teach resilience, promote emotional well-being, and mirror life's challenges through the concept of "finding one's edge."

Lucas: Yin Yoga really opens a gateway into deeper meditation and introspective practices. I find that it teaches us resilience through physical discomfort and encourages a profound stillness that prepares us for life beyond the mat.


Kimhye: It's interesting how our experiences on the mat can reflect our personal life challenges. How do you think we should approach these challenges, both in our practice and in our daily lives?


Lucas: That's a vital aspect of Yin Yoga. I emphasize finding one's edge in each class—it's about reaching a point where discomfort is noticeable but not overwhelming. It's akin to finding a balance in life, navigating between effort and ease.


Kimhye: I've observed that not all teachers take the time to explain this concept explicitly. Yet, guiding students to understand and find their edge seems crucial for their growth in the practice.


Lucas: Absolutely, Yin is not about achieving the perfect posture; it’s about the sensations you feel while in that posture. This internal experience can be a powerful tool for personal growth, as it encourages practitioners to delve into their internal landscapes.


Kimhye: Speaking of internal landscapes, the edge in Yin isn't just physical, right? There’s also an emotional dimension to it?


Lucas: Yes, the edge is where we meet and learn to sit with both our physical and emotional discomfort. It’s about understanding and respecting our boundaries. This recognition can vary from day to day, reflecting the fluctuating nature of our lives.


Kimhye: Considering that, how do you use the discomfort scale with your students to help them understand their boundaries?

Lucas: The scale, ranging from 5 to 7 in my classes, helps students differentiate their sensations—identifying whether they feel a stretch, a burn, or a pain that signals them to stop. It’s about tuning into their body and recognizing what each level of discomfort represents.


Kimhye: This differentiation is crucial, especially in a practice as introspective as Yin. How do these physical and emotional sensations play together in practice?


Lucas: Yin can evoke strong emotional responses. Some poses might make you feel trapped or overly exposed without any physical pain. These moments invite us to explore deeper emotional responses and encourage a holistic understanding of our being.


Kimhye: That sounds like a profound way to deepen self-awareness. How do you think this awareness affects our students outside The Shala?


Lucas: It’s transformative. The practice of managing discomfort in Yin can improve resilience and adaptability, enhancing stress management and fostering more thoughtful responses to challenges in everyday life.


Kimhye: For newcomers to our Yin classes here at The Shala, what should they keep in mind about the practice?


Lucas: Newcomers should understand the importance of respecting their bodies and emotional states. Yin Yoga is a practice of self-care and self-respect, focusing on internal sensations rather than external appearances or achievements.

As Lucas and Kimhye conclude their discussion, it becomes evident that Yin Yoga is more than just a physical practice. It’s a journey of self-discovery, emotional resilience, and a reflective mirror of our personal challenges.

Each session is an opportunity to explore the subtle balance between discomfort and ease, providing insights that extend well beyond the mat. In Yin Yoga, every pose is a step toward deeper understanding, acceptance, and integration of our physical and emotional worlds, embodying the holistic spirit of The Shala.

Join us for a class, or dive into our comprehensive YTT200 program, where we explore the depths of both Hatha and Yin Yoga. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together. Your mat is waiting!