This book has been divided into two main sections: Part One – The Philosophy and Physiology of Yin and Yoga, and Part Two – The Practice of Yin Yoga. Each section can be read as a completely stand-alone book: each section discusses two very different aspects of Yin Yoga. The first section introduces the history of Yin Yoga, in the context of Yoga’s overall history, and then proceeds to describe what is happening within us, as we practice Yin Yoga. This exploration looks at the physical, the energetic, and the psychological effects of the practice. Within each exploration, we visit different perspectives: the Eastern views, found in India and China, and the Western views, informed by a more rigorous, scientific paradigm.
The second part of the book contains descriptions of the physical practice: how to practice Yin Yoga, and what to practice, including most of the main Yin Yoga asanas, and some sample sequences. Included is guidance and suggestions on moving energy and concentrating the mind. It was difficult to separate the discussion on the mind into two distinct sections. Thus, the last part of the first section also includes many suggestions for strengthening our awareness, and it could be read in conjunction with the last part of the second section, when practicing Yin Yoga.
Links are provided throughout the book to help with navigation through the many topics explored. Links are denoted within the text by words being underlined, such as the text at the bottom of this page. Links are also found surrounding some images: if there is a black border around the image, you may click on it to be taken to the original source of the image or to the creator of the image. Another high level link is on the menu tab to the left of each page. By selecting YinSights you can immediately go back to the main navigational pages: the Table of Contents, the Detailed Table of Contents, and the Introduction. Often links are offered which will take you outside of the book entirely. When this happens, a new browser window will open, so that you will not lose your place in the book. After exploring the outside information, simply close the new browser window, and you will return to the same place in the book, in the previous window, where you left.
The Table of Contents contains the links to the main chapters and sub-chapters of the book. The Detailed Table of Contents contains all the links to every page in the book. Also, within some sections there are links to other sections. If you choose to follow these links, you will be reading the book in a non-linear fashion.
To read this book in the same, linear manner that you would read a printed book, simply click on the link at the bottom of each page. In this manner, you will be lead sequentially through the whole book. This method is suggested for the first reading, however, for future visits, you may wish to skip around and explore these other links in a different order.
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