Yin Yoga With Amida Wealth

In honor of Women’s History Month, Amida would like to share the the energy of Yin Yoga. The practice of Yin Yoga is grounded in the principles of Yin and Yang, which are complementary, opposing forces in nature. Yin is associated with feminine energy and is characterized by qualities such as stillness, introspection, and receptivity. Hence, why we are so excited to share this practice with you, especially during Women’s History month.

So what is Yin yoga? The practice of Yin yoga involves slow, gentle movements that encourage the body to come back to harmony. When we experience more harmony in our lives, we also allow the flow of wealth energy into our lives. At Amida Wealth our fivefold elements of wealth are: health, career, finances, relationships, and personal growth. We know that living a life of wealth occurs when our fivefold elements of wealth are in harmony. As our founder, Ana Ramos, always says – “this too shall pass.” Perhaps, if there is a part of your life that feels out of balance, use this Sunday Funday to calm your mind, and come back into harmony with your soul through the practice of yin yoga.

The Practice Of Yin Yoga

The concept of Yin and Yang originates from Chinese philosophy and refers to the complementary and interconnected aspects of the natural world. As mentioned before, Yin is associated with feminine energy. It is characterized by qualities such as coolness, darkness, stillness, and softness.

In the context of yoga, Yin is typically used to describe a style of yoga that focuses on long-held, passive poses designed to target the connective tissues of the body, such as the ligaments, fascia, and joints. Yin yoga is often contrasted with Yang yoga, which is more dynamic and focuses on building strength and flexibility in the muscles.

Yin yoga poses are typically held for several minutes at a time, often with the support of props such as blocks, bolsters, or blankets. The goal of Yin yoga is to promote relaxation and release tension in the body, while also cultivating mindfulness and a sense of inner stillness.

3 Yin Yoga Postures To Calm Your Mind

There are many Yin yoga postures that can help to calm the mind and promote a sense of relaxation. Open up a space in your home

where you can lay out your yoga mat – if you don’t have a yoga mat, just use a towel or simply relax on a comfortable rug. Perhaps, you may benefit with peaceful background music, or try the beauty of stillness instead.

Remember to hold each posture for several minutes, focusing on your breath and letting go of any tension or stress in your body. Always listen to your body and ease out of the pose if it becomes uncomfortable. Don’t forget to just breathe!

Now, here are 3 Yin Yoga postures you can try today:

1. Child’s Pose (Balasana)

Begin on your hands and knees in a tabletop position, with your wrists under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Bring your big toes together and widen your knees apart as far as comfortable. Exhale and lower your hips back towards your heels, stretching your arms out in front of you. Rest your forehead on the mat or a block, and relax your shoulders down away from your ears. Take slow, deep breaths, focusing on the stretch in your hips and lower back. Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or as long as feels comfortable for you.

To come out of the pose, inhale and slowly lift your hips back up to a tabletop position. Child’s pose is a great way to release tension in the body, especially in the hips, back, and shoulders. It can also help to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety.

2. Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana)

is a seated yoga posture that stretches the inner thighs, groin, and knees while opening the hips and pelvis. Start by sitting on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your knees and bring the soles of your feet together, allowing your knees to fall out to the sides. Use your hands to hold onto your ankles or feet, and gently pull your heels in toward your body. Lengthen your spine and engage your core muscles to sit up tall. Press your elbows into your inner thighs, gently encouraging your knees to move closer to the ground. Hold the pose for 30 seconds to a minute, breathing deeply and relaxing into the stretch. To come out of the pose, release your feet and extend your legs back out in front of you.

Modifications: If you have tight hips or groin muscles, you can place blocks or blankets under your knees for support. If your knees are uncomfortable, you can place blankets or blocks under them or sit on a cushion to elevate your hips. For a deeper stretch, you can fold forward over your legs, keeping your spine long and your head relaxed.Dragon Pose (Lunges)

3. Caterpillar Pose (Paschimottanasana)

Paschimottanasana, or Caterpillar Pose, is a seated forward bend in Yin Yoga that stretches the entire posterior chain, including the hamstrings, calves, lower back, and spine.

Begin in a seated position on your mat with your legs extended out in front of you. Take a deep inhale, lengthening your spine, and then on your exhale, hinge forward at your hips, reaching your hands towards your feet. Allow your head and neck to relax and hang heavy towards the ground. Keep your legs straight and engage your quadriceps by flexing your toes towards your face. As you hold the pose, focus on taking deep, slow breaths, and allow your body to gradually sink deeper into the pose with each exhale. Stay in the pose for 3-5 minutes, or longer if you feel comfortable. To come out of the pose, slowly lift your head and torso back up to a seated position.

It’s important to note that if you have any lower back or hamstring injuries, you should be cautious and avoid over-stretching. Always listen to your body and work within your own range of motion.

Women In Yoga Who Made A Difference

The practice of yoga has traditionally been associated with men in India. However, over time, women have played a crucial role in bringing the practice to the West and advancing it as a global phenomenon. So, in honor of Women’s History Month, Amida would like to share a few of the women who played a significant role in the development and evolution of yoga throughout history.

First, is Geeta Iyengar. Geeta Iyengar was the daughter of B.K.S. Iyengar, one of the most influential yoga teachers of the 20th century. She played a key role in developing the Iyengar method of yoga and taught at her father’s institute in Pune, India for many years. She also authored several books on yoga, including the classic “Yoga: A Gem for Women.”

Second, is Shiva Rea. Shiva Rea is a leading teacher of vinyasa flow yoga and the creator of several popular yoga DVDs and online classes. She has traveled the world teaching workshops. Additionally, she has developed her own style of yoga called Prana Flow. Shiva Rea is the founder of the Global Mala Project. This project brings together yoga communities around the world to raise awareness and funds for social and environmental causes.

Third, is Seane Corn. Seane Corn is a well-known yoga teacher and activist who has been teaching yoga for over 25 years. She is the co-founder of Off the Mat & Into the World, a non-profit organization that uses the power of yoga to inspire conscious activism and social change. She has also the author of the book “Revolution of the Soul.”

Amida Wealth Family Conversations

At your next family or friends gathering share your yoga knowledge! Encourage everyone to gather together and practice yoga together – perhaps, you can introduce the ones that you love to a new style of relaxation. Have they tried Yin Yoga to calm their mind? Share the essence of Yin – embody the feminine, and spread your wealth energy. Let us know how it goes.

Final Thoughts

The practice of Yin Yoga can allow you to calm your mind and bring you back into harmony. It is simple, soothing, and provides several health benefits for the body, mind, and soul. Remember that when things get out of balance – to take a deep breathe, and come back home to your body through the practice of Yin Yoga. Additionally, Amida is here to support your journey. We are always just one phone call and email away! Happy Sunday!