Yin Yoga Yinsights
July, 2013

Hyperextension of the Elbow
Good, Bad or Just Plain Ugly?

Beware of dogma – the insistence that there is only one right way to do something, and thus all other ways are wrong. Never is never right and always is always wrong (and that applies this sentence too!) But is it dogma when a yoga teacher commands her student to straighten her arm when it goes past 180°, past straight, into hyperextension? Or is it just plain common sense that an elbow should never be allowed to go past straight?

Hyperextension of our limbs just looks wrong! Basing our judgments of hyperextension on visual aesthetics tells us to never do it. But, never is never right – and so the command to never allow hyperextension of the elbow in yoga is also not right. Let’s find out why.

Read the rest of this article.

Yin Yoga in London, England

Norman Blair reports that ten years ago there wasn’t a single regular yin yoga class in London and now there are more than 30 weekly classes plus workshops and courses. As a way of maintaining contact and building community he has set up a website to publicise the various teachers and their classes in London: www.yinyogalondon.org. Have a look and check out what’s going on.

The Yin Yoga Forum

The forum is available for anyone to ask questions about Yin Yoga in particular or Yoga in general, but the forum is not just for those who “don’t know” – it is also available for everyone who already know, and have stories and information to share with others. Here is just one example: if you are looking for some great music to accompany your Yin Yoga classes check out this post, which has many suggestions. Feel free to add your favourite music to the thread.

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Yin Yoga Teacher Trainings

Yin is In! And, it is growing in popularity. Yin Yoga has been with us since the beginning of Hatha Yoga centuries ago. But since the early 19th century, yoga has become more and more yang-like in nature. Everything requires balance: yin completes yang. Yin Yoga is the balancing practice for the more active, muscular yang yogas. There are more and more teachers offering Yin Yoga today, and more workshops and opportunities to learn how to become a Yin Yoga teacher. If diving deeper into the yin-side of life is on your bucket list, there are lots of opportunities for you.

Upcoming Yin Yoga Teacher Trainings with Bernie Clark

A 50-hour, 7-Day Yin Yoga Teacher Trainings
August 26th to Sept 1, 2013;
November 11th-17th, 2013;
February 10th-16th, 2014;
May 12th-18th, 2014;
August 25th-31st, 2013;
November 10th-16th, 2014.

All of these will be at the Semperviva Yoga Studios, in Vancouver, Canada. The Yin Yoga Teacher Training Program offered at the Semperviva Yoga College is a unique way to deepen your yoga practice and touch tissues rarely worked in a more active yang style of yoga. For 200 hour certified teachers the credits of the course can be applied towards the 500 hour certification, and are eligible for CEUs with Yoga Alliance. (CEUs = Continuing Education Units and are required to maintain your status as a Registered Yoga Teacher).

For more details or to register, check the Semperviva web page or call them at 604-739-2009.

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Yin Yoga Teacher Directory

If you are having trouble finding a Yin Yoga teacher near you, or if you are traveling to somewhere new, try checking out the Directory of Yin Yoga teachers. We have hundreds of teachers registered from all over the world. If you are a teacher and are not in the directory, just send us your information and we’ll be happy to add you.

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Other Interesting Events

Paul Grilley, Sarah Powers, and Biff Mithoefer are each planning a full load of workshops all over the world. You can check out their schedules at their home web pages:

Paul Grilley’s Schedule of Workshops

Sarah Power’s Schedule of Workshops

Biff Mithoefer’s Schedule of Workshops

Many teachers around the world are creating Yin Yoga based workshops and retreats. Some of them are posting these activities on our Forum page. Check it out. There may be one happening near you. (If you are a teacher, feel free to add yours to the page!)