5 Books to Deepen and Inspire your Yin Yoga Practice
Yin is growing in popularity. Quite simply, #yinisin at the moment. And for good reason. I am often asked by people who come along to my classes, which books I would recommend to explore yin on a deeper level -so here is my list, in no particular order. These are just some of my favourites – there are many other worthy books on yin as well as many great web resources & podcasts – I’ll cover some of these in Part 2!
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO YIN YOGA
The Philosophy and Practice of Yin Yoga (Second Edition) – Bernie Clark
The bible of yin. What more can I say – Bernie is a wealth of information. Also, be sure to check out his website yinyoga.com. where you can also download his e-book ‘Yinsights’.
Favourite part? It’s like a yin encyclopedia! It is also worth noting to make sure you buy the 2nd edition – it has many many updates in it – well worth it, even if you already own the first edition.
YIN YOGA – PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE
(Blue or Green version) – Paul Grilley
One of the first books to be released on yin yoga, by one of its founders, Paul Grilley. It is a slim book, but don’t be fooled – there are many valuable insights to be found. It covers the main postures, modern meridian theory, the chakras, breathing exercises, and meditation.
Favourite part? I love the clear concise explanations. The Chakra theory & Modern meridian theory in particular & there’s a great bibliography at the back.
INSIGHT YOGA – Sarah Powers
A book I find myself returning to again and again – with a focus on Traditional Chinese Medicine and meridian theory as well sequences for all the organ pairs. Insight Yoga combines traditional yoga with the meridians of Chinese medicine, and Buddhist meditation. using both Yin and Yang poses. Sarah offers a series of yin sequences for each of the meridian pairs and clearly explains when and why you would use them. Traditional Chinese medicine theory and mindfulness meditation are also covered.
Favourite part? The 9 clearing cycles, Sarahs sharing of her own personal practices & the diagrams (meridian lines are drawn over photographs of the postures).
BRIGHTENING OUR INNER SKIES – Norman Blair
‘Rather than touching toes, my sincere wish is that this book will assist all of us in touching the joie de vivre that beats in our hearts‘. A beautiful, down-to-earth read, with clear instructions and good insight. Lots of props here & guidance on listening in to the body, on when to go deeper & when to ‘move away from the edge’
Favourite part? The look and feel of this book – the photography is wonderful. I probably refer to it most for guidance on props & modifying poses.
THE LANGUAGE OF YIN:
YOGA THEMES, SEQUENCES AND INSPIRATION TO BRING YOUR CLASS TO LIFE AND LIFE TO YOUR CLASS – Gabrielle Harris
Although marketed for yoga teachers, I think this is a wonderful book to inspire someone with a little yin knowledge to develop or deepen a home practice. Both practical and spiritual beautifully set out and with over 40 themes divided into ‘mind, heart and body’ – a book that you can dip into again and again.
Favourite part? That I can open at any page for inspiration when planning a class or home practice.