Style Spotlight: Yin//Yang with Lynsi

1. In your own words, how would describe the style of your class?

This style, I feel, is about change. Physically, the heating, faster dynamic flow of yang and the longer slower deeper stretching parts of yin create a contrast of experience on the mat. I try to encourage students to also notice how the changing physical aspects of class simultaneously affect what is happening in their mind.

2. What do you like about teaching this style?

I feel there are endless possibilities when sequencing class, peak poses, potpourri, starting with yin, ending with yin, etc. The dynamic nature of class is also reflected in the different ways to sequence it.

3. What do you like about practicing this style?

Personally, I often struggle with gripping onto experiences and feelings in my life that my mind is convinced will forever stay consistent. While I conceptually know that everything in life is impermanent, this style gives me a reminder of that. Throughout practicing this style, my heart rate, breath, and mind accelerates and slows. As I observe my mind's changing nature during the practice, it helps me undo the habitual and default gripping, and be more open to the inevitable change.

4. Why do you think students should practice this style?

In class, the moments of transition from lively flow to deep holds mirror experiences we regularly encounter. During our everyday life we often experience moments of stress, accelerated heart rate and need to turn on our parasympathetic nervous system to calm ourselves down. During class we have a safe space to construct a similar experience by intentionally elevating our heart rate then have the opportunity to practice calming our body and mind down.