The Journey to Stillness in Yin Yoga
An Encounter with the Inner Self
Once upon a time, there was a swan who lived on a quiet lake, surrounded by mountains and trees rustling in the wind. Every morning, the swan would spread its wings and gracefully sail across the water searching for food and enjoying the gentle warmth of the sun. But every night, when the world fell silent, the swan would adopt a special sleeping posture. He would fold one of his legs under his body, stretch the other back, and rest his long neck on his wing, entering a state of complete stillness.
One day, a little turtle who was admiring the swan from the shore asked him:
“Swan, how do you manage to sleep like that, so calm and peaceful, while I can’t stop tossing and turning?”
The swan replied:
“Rest is not just about closing your eyes, but about learning to surrender to the moment. My posture teaches me that, although it may feel uncomfortable at first, if I allow myself to surrender, I find calm. It is in stillness that I discover what movement sometimes hides from me.
The turtle decided to try to imitate the swan, although at first his rigid body resisted. He tried to bend and accommodate himself, but his mind kept running like the water in a river. Until one day, tired of fighting, the turtle simply let himself go. In that instant, he felt how time seemed to stop and he could hear the secrets of the breeze and the murmur of the lake.
Finally the turtle learned that it was not the posture itself that brought peace, but the path to it: the process of accepting discomfort, letting go of control and allowing stillness to reveal the wonders that had always been there, hidden in the silence.
From then on, the turtle and the swan shared the lake, each resting in their own stillness, remembering that sometimes the greatest movement occurs when everything stops.
A funny fact about this practice, and what inspired me to write this post, is the reaction I often get from yoga practitioners when they try Yin Yoga for the first time:
“Yin Yoga? No way! I cannot handle this. I cannot be that quiet.”
I always say that Yin Yoga is like visiting India—either you love it, or you cannot handle it. So today, let’s explore Yin Yoga on a much deeper level.
Yin Yoga is much more than a series of postures; it is a journey inward—an invitation to stillness and introspection. Many people call it “the meditative yoga” or “the yoga of stillness.”
Through this practice, we move away from the fast pace and constant action of daily life and enter a space where sensation becomes our guide. In Yin Yoga, the true essence of the practice is not in perfecting the posture but in the ability to be present with what we are feeling in each pose—without judgment or expectation.
Yin Yoga is a slower, more introspective style of yoga that focuses on holding passive postures for extended periods—usually 3 to 5 minutes—to target deep connective tissues such as ligaments and fascia. Unlike other forms of yoga that emphasise muscle engagement and alignment, Yin Yoga follows a functional approach, prioritising the individual’s experience and sensations over perfect form. This method allows practitioners to explore their body’s natural range of motion, emphasising how a posture feels rather than how it should look. As a result, Yin Yoga promotes deeper body awareness and flexibility.
I would love to share how, from my perspective, I establish the relationship between entering a posture and seeking stillness—what I call the journey toward stillness.
The Key to Yin Yoga: Time and Sensation
The essence of Yin Yoga lies in the time we spend in each posture. Unlike more dynamic yoga styles, where alignment and execution take centre stage, Yin Yoga focuses on the sensation we experience as we enter and hold each posture.
Stillness is not something we actively or forcefully seek—it arises naturally when we allow ourselves to fall into the posture without rushing or exerting excessive effort. It is a practice of surrender, of letting go of control, where each breath guides us into a deeper state of calm.
The relationship between entering a posture and seeking stillness lies in the process itself. When we enter a Yin Yoga posture, we do so with the intention of feeling rather than doing.
The entry into each pose is gentle, conscious, and marked by full attention to the body. As we settle into the posture and begin to relax the muscles, we experience a greater sense of openness—both physically and mentally.
“Stillness is not something that is imposed; it is the natural result of allowing ourselves to be fully present in the moment.”
Yin Yoga and My Personal Journey
My practice has evolved significantly over the years, much like the seasons of life. As I transition into menopause, I have embraced Yin Yoga as a way to slow down, reconnect with my inner self, and embark on a deeper journey of healing.
I could list hundreds—if not thousands—of benefits, but here are the most important ones:
The Benefits of Yin Yoga: An Encounter with the Deep
1. Deep connection with the body
Yin Yoga allows us to explore our bodies in a gentle yet profound way. By holding postures for longer durations, we work on deep tissues such as ligaments and fascia, promoting flexibility and relieving built-up tension. Additionally, by listening to our bodies more attentively, we cultivate a more harmonious relationship with ourselves.
2. Development of patience and perseverance
The practice of remaining in a posture for extended periods teaches us patience. In a world that values speed and constant movement, Yin Yoga invites us to embrace the time we need to simply be.
3. Reduction of stress and anxiety
By focusing on stillness and deep breathing, Yin Yoga helps regulate the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety. The ability to remain silent, without forcing the body or mind, allows us to find an inner calm that can be difficult to access in daily life.
4. Introspection and mental clarity
In the stillness of Yin Yoga, the mind begins to quiet. By becoming aware of our thoughts, emotions, and sensations, we gain deeper clarity and self-connection. This introspective space fosters mindfulness and emotional balance.
Yin Yoga: A Journey Inward
Yin Yoga is not just a practice of postures—it is an invitation to pause, explore inner sensations, and find stillness amidst the chaos. Through deep relaxation, prolonged time in each pose, and mindfulness, this practice becomes a true inward journey—one where peace and serenity await beyond external expectations.
Yin Yoga reminds us that true stillness is not found in the perfection of a posture but in our ability to be present—without rushing, without judgment, simply being.
So, from now on, remember the swan’s journey and embrace the turtle’s wisdom, knowing that sometimes, the greatest movement occurs when everything stops.