Ep 184 Paul Grilley - The Origins of Power and Yin Yoga

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Aug 4, 2024

In this engaging conversation, Paul Grilley, a pioneer of Yin Yoga, reflects on his unique yoga journey. He shares insights into the evolution of yoga in the West, highlighting the shift from traditional practices to dynamic forms like Power Yoga. Paul reveals his personal realization about the limitations of his practice, which led him to embrace the slower, more introspective approach of Yin Yoga. He discusses the importance of holding poses longer and the significance of anatomical variations in fostering a deeper understanding of one’s practice.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

The Evolution of Yoga: A Personal Journey

02:00 • 26min

Exploring Yin Yoga and Its Anatomy

28:11 • 15min

Anatomy and Energy in Yoga

43:24 • 21min

The Evolving Role of a Yoga Teacher

01:04:12 • 8min

Exploring Knowledge and Personal Insights

01:12:38 • 2min

Exploring the Intersection of Film, Spirituality, and Science

01:14:14 • 4min

The Importance of a Mature Understanding of Yoga

www.paulgrilley.com | @paulandsuzeegrilley

Paul Grilley, known for his work in Yin Yoga, discusses his journey in yoga and the evolution of yoga in the West along with the secularization of yoga and the rise of power yoga in LA. Paul shares his realization that no matter how much he practiced, there were poses he would never be able to do, which led him to explore Yin Yoga. He mentions his encounter with Paulie Zink, who emphasized the importance of holding poses for a longer duration and his experience studying with David Williams.

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Key Points

· Paul Grilley started his yoga journey with Hatha yoga and explored various styles, including Bikram and Ashtanga.

· The secularization of yoga in the West was influenced by the popularity of dance aerobics and the desire for a more intense and dynamic workout.

· Paul Grilley realized that no matter how much he practiced, there were poses he would never be able to do, which led him to explore Yin Yoga.

· Yin Yoga emphasizes holding poses for a longer duration and provides a different approach to yoga practice.

· Paul Grilley's encounter with Paulie Zink further reinforced the importance of Yin Yoga and its benefits for the body and martial arts. David Williams and Polly Zink were influential teachers for Paul Grilley due to their generosity and lack of a guru mentality.

· Yin Yoga originated from Paul's study with Polly Zink, who referred to it as Taoist Yoga.

· The concept of fascia and its role in stretching is important in understanding the body's response to yoga practice.

· Individual variations in skeletal structure can impact range of motion and flexibility.

· Paul emphasizes the harmonization of energy flow in the body as a key aspect of yoga practice. The breath is a tool to become aware of the movement of prana in the body during pranayama and bandhas.

· The ultimate goal is to achieve pratyahara, a state where one is physiologically deaf, blind, and unaware of the physical body.

· Pratyahara allows for conscious experiences detached from the body and leads to true mystical and spiritual experiences.

· Understanding the movement of prana and achieving pratyahara requires a mature understanding and practice of yoga.