In yin yoga there is time…lots of time: time to explore sensations, time to learn the appropriate depth for you in each posture, time to develop the habits of attending, noticing, and making appropriate decisions. This is one reason that yin yoga is so beneficial; you are provided time to get to know your body, what it needs, and what it does not need. Yin yoga explores the edges where resistance arises. This resistance may be physical, but there are other edges to become aware of as well—emotional and psychological edges are also to be noticed and honored.

On a physical level, yin yoga targets and affects our deepest layers: the connective tissues, which include our fascia, ligaments, joints, cartilage, and bones. All tissues need exercise to regain and maintain optimal health, and these deeper tissues are no exception. But, to safely exercise the deeper, yin-like tissues of our body we need to use yin-like stresses.