Yin Yoga Podcast

S. 3 | Ep. 8In this episode of the Yin Yoga podcast, I delve into the topic of 'Yin Yoga Policing', with a focus on defining what constitutes a Yin Yoga pose.Questions from Yin Yoga Facebook groups inspired this episode. I share my thoughts and personal experiences, especially from my training with Mr. Yin Yoga teacher Paul Grilley.Paul (and I) emphasize the need for critical thinking rather than following a dogmatic approach, advocating for a more flexible and inclusive practice.I'll discuss the inclusion of upper body poses and the use of props in Yin yoga, and argue against rigidly declaring certain poses as 'not Yin'. By encouraging adaptations to meet individual needs, I aim to promote a more open and understanding Yin yoga community.Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:links to the other episodes mentioned are in the Full Show Notes https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-teacher-training/yin-yoga-podcast/Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcastSee all episodes at a glance: 

S. 3 | Ep. 7 The Five Elements: An OverviewThis Episode was a requested episode from a listener! If you have Yin Yoga questions or Topic Ideas you want me to cover on the podca,st let me know in the comments. In this episode, we’re going to talk about the Five Elements according to Taoism and TCM, which are closely tied to Feng Shui. It's a broad, subject that I cover more in-depth in my teacher training, but today’s session will serve as a basic overview—or as I prefer to call it, a "Five Elements 101."These elemental theories go into a lot of interconnected aspects including tissues, organs, emotions, and even the times of day, all integrated into both TCM and Taoist thought. This holistic approach provides a practical and grounded understanding of how our bodies interact with the world around us.Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Full Show Notes https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-podcast/the-five-elements-101-yin-yoga/Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcastSee all episodes at a glance: 

S. 3 | Ep. 6Yin Yoga and Sobriety: A Deep Dive with Daphne LukeIn this episode of the Yin Yoga podcast, my guest Daphne Luke and I explore the profound impact of Yin Yoga on addiction recovery and sobriety.Daphne is a seasoned teacher with both Bernie Clarks' 50-hour Yin Yoga Training and 500 hours of Yin Yoga Training with Paul Grilley.Daphne has been practicing Yoga since the 90s and teaching yoga for two decades. Initially developed a love of Yoga through Ashtanga and Yinyasa then discovered a passion for it with Yin Yoga. Daphne grew up in Canada & now lives in Auckland, New Zealand where she teaches yoga part-time, trains new Yin Yoga teachers, and manages a private alcohol rehab center. She teaches Yin Yoga to recovering alcoholics as well as regular weekly community classes. She lives with her 16-year-old son and a pug named Leo.  This is a brave conversation anchored in the inspiring story of Daphne Luke an experienced Yoga practitioner and a committed advocate for recovery from alcoholism. Through her story, You'll learn about the meeting of Yin Yoga and sobriety, and how this practice can act as a profound tool for recovery and personal growth..Daphne believes this practice is more than physical exercise; it is a full mind, body, and spirit experience that cultivates a deep sense of presence and peace. In this episode, you'll hear about the intersection of Yin Yoga and Sobriety and how Yin Yoga has been a pivotal part of her recovery journey. As a recovering alcoholic, she found solace and grounding in the practice, which allowed her to step off the violent pendulum swing of addiction, even if only for the duration of the session. The meditative and introspective qualities of Yin Yoga helped Daphne and continue to help many others confront and process the mental and emotional aspects of their addiction. Daphne's story is one of resilience, commitment, and transformation.  Her story is a testament to how Yin Yoga and the sober community can complement each other, offering hope, support, and effective tools for healing. Daphne's professional journey has also integrated her passion for Yin Yoga with her commitment to recovery. She now teaches Yoga at an alcohol rehab center, where the practice serves as a crucial component of the recovery program: the physical, mental, and spiritual healing aspects of Yin Yoga, mean patients can find a holistic approach to their rehabilitation. Her journey underscores the transformative power of Yin Yoga on the path to sobriety. Her story offers hope and practical insights for those struggling with addiction or supporting someone who is. You can find Daphne on Facebook or Instagram as @YinYogaNZYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Full Show Notes https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-teacher-training/yin-yoga-podcast/Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcastSee all episodes at a glance

S. 3 | Ep. 5Welcome to this week's episode: Yin Yoga and Spine Health.This was a requested topic, and it’s something I encounter often in questions like, "My student has lower back pain, what sequence can I give them?" or "How do I address back issues in my classes?" As a Yoga therapist with a specialty in back care, I’ve worked with individuals suffering from back issues for many years, and I’m excited to share my experience with you.So what you can expect in this episode is first, we're going to break down the nuts and bolts, just very brief overviews of some of the most common back conditions that might happen that might show up in your class. Then we're going to talk about what can be problematic actually for a lot of these back conditions in Yoga classes. And then what we might do about that, and then I'm going to give you a framework for how you could create a class for a healthy spine, like a healthy spine class for Yin Yoga, not for people that have back injuries, but for the general public who are just kind of sore and tight.Hop over to my blog to see the full show notes. There you'll see 3 images of alternative Back Bends to Sphinx and Seal.Also linked there a a video practice Yin Yoga for a Healthy Spine Yoga Teachers:⁠ Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training⁠ at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my ⁠Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom⁠To subscribe to my ⁠On-Demand Video Library⁠:Full Show Notes ⁠https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-teacher-training/yin-yoga-podcast/⁠⁠Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley⁠⁠Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra ⁠Find me on Instagram ⁠@nykdanuyoga⁠⁠@YinYogaPodcast⁠⁠See all episodes at a glance: ⁠

S. 3 | Ep. 4Today on the podcast I'm going to discuss the practice of Loving Kindness Meditation, or Metta for Yin Yoga.In this episode, I'll share in detail the who, what, when, why, and how of incorporating this powerful meditation into our Yin Yoga practice, in our Yin Yoga Classes, AND in our everyday lives.This topic is very near and dear to my heart I’ve been practicing Metta for nearly 20 years, integrating it into my personal meditation practice and classes for my students. It’s become a staple in my life which offers me both inner groundedness and a sense of connectedness to those around me.Also mentioned in this epiosde:May I be Content: https://thetattooedbuddha.com/2019/12/06/may-i-be-content/Psychology Today Article with links to studies:https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/feeling-it/201409/18-science-backed-reasons-try-loving-kindness-meditationYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Full Show Notes https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-teacher-training/yin-yoga-podcast/Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcastSee all episodes at a glanceMetta Books:Loving-Kindness in Plain English: The Practice of Metta by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness by Sharon Salzberg Awakening Loving-Kindness by  Pema Chödrön 

S.3 | EP. 3Fall and The Metal Element: An OverviewAs we start transitioning into fall, it’s a time linked deeply with the metal element in TCM. Fall marks a shift from the extroverted, yang energy of summer to a more introverted, yin phase.In both TCM and Taoist thought, fall is a time for letting go and is connected to the emotion of grief. This grief could be as simple as missing summer or something deeper.Fall is my second favorite season, after spring. Although I adore fall’s colors and cozy sweaters, scarves, and boots  I do grieve the reduction in daylight hours more than anything. Season: FallClimate: DryOrgans: Lungs (Yin) and Large Intestine (Yang)Direction: WestEmotion: Sadness or GriefVirtue: ProsperitySound: CryingColor: WhiteThe Emotional Aspect of Fall The Metal ElementMany Practical Tips for Embracing the Season in this Episode.Visit my website to access the full show notes with video for Practice Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Full Show Notes https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-teacher-training/yin-yoga-podcast/Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcastSee all episodes at a glance: 

S.3 | EP. 2In this episode, we dive into the fundamentals of fascia with anatomy expert Gil Hedley.From understanding different types of fascia to debunking common myths, Gil provides an exploration of the body's connective tissues.We also discuss Yin Yoga, the relationship between fascia and the nervous system, and the holistic perspective of body anatomy.Gil's rant about Cellulite the fuzz is not to be missed.Gil is equal parts passionate, soulful, funny, and entertaining.So without further ado my friend Gil Hedley You Can Find Gil :Website: https://www.gilhedley.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/somanautInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gilhedley/Yoga Teachers Get on the Waitlist: https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-teacher-training/ at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes On Zoom https://nykdanu.com/students/yoga/online-yoga/To subscribe to my https://nykdanu.com/students/yoga/video-library/Full Show Notes: https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-teacher-training/yin-yoga-podcast/Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley : https://pranamaya.com/courses/anatomy-for-yoga/?ref=20 (affiliate link)Find me on Instagram Nyk Danu Yoga: https://www.instagram.com/nykdanuyoga/Yin Yoga Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/yinyogapodcast/See all episodes at a glance https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NOyRZM7cKC-h9kOMT-rIIeuatJgOf1CKT63LjAHk2LU/edit?usp=sharingWatch Killing us Softly 4 https://youtu.be/lxYcaFzVX08?si=nVDAvK3IBsJUcL_p

S.3 | EP. 1In this episode of A Yin Yoga podcast,  Addie deHilster (mindfulness meditation teacher and certified Yoga therapist) and I have a relaxed, what I'm calling a fireside chat, about the use of props in Yin Yoga.If we think that yoga should be accessible to everyone (and I do), regardless of their skeletal structure or flexibility. Then, in this discussion, Addie and I emphasize how props can enhance comfort and accessibility, debunking the notion that Yin Yoga should be practiced without them.We dive into the critical role of props in Yin Yoga, address common misconceptions and highlight the benefits for individual practice.In this discussion, we chat not only about our personal experiences but also share practical advice for teachers and the broader implications for creating accessible and trauma-informed Yoga environments.The functional use of props to avoid hierarchies in poses.Overcoming internal resistance to prop use.Ideas for propping effectively even in prop-limited settings.Having inclusive and accessible Yoga classes  Also Mentioned In this Episode: Mindfulness in Yin Yoga- with Addie deHilsterYin Yoga vs Restorative YogaMy Interview on Addies Podcast Find Addie:Addies Props On-Demand CourseAddies Teacher Training Find Addie on Instagram Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra  

S.2 | EP. 24Wow, It feels like just yesterday I was starting this podcast and here we are at the end of season 2.I'm getting ready to take a break over the summer to heal regroup and plan season 3.But before I do I wanted to announce that if you are listening to this episode when it drops, registration for my 60+ hour Therapeutic Yin Training is open (whoot). You can click this link to learn more and sign up. https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-teacher-training/If these current dates don't work for you make sure you join the waitlist!Anyone on the waitlist gets first access to registration, access to a 25% Off discount code And a bunch of free Yin Yoga goodies while you wait for registration to open.ALSO IN THIS EPISODE Is an overview of all the episodes I have covered so far. Unless you are the most dedicated Listener You Have likely missed a few And this is a great time to catch up over the break.You can see all of the episodes including links at a glance here:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NOyRZM7cKC-h9kOMT-rIIeuatJgOf1CKT63LjAHk2LU/edit?usp=sharingHave a great Summer and Until Sept bye for now. To Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Full Show Notes https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-teacher-training/yin-yoga-podcast/Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram Nyk Danu Yoga: https://www.instagram.com/nykdanuyoga/Yin Yoga Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/yinyogapodcast/

S. 2 | EP. 23The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long"  Lao Tzu'sIf you live in the northern hemisphere and you are listening to or watching this episode as it comes out then today is the first day of Summer.So in honour of the day, I thought I would do a special episode on Embracing the Fire Element Summer in Taoism and TCMElement of Fire corresponds to Summer in Traditional Chinese Medicine and TaoismFire is the element associated with summer, embodying the qualities of heat, activity, and passion.The direction associated with fire is south, the color is red, and the climate is heat.Yin channels: Heart and Pericardium.Yang channels: Small Intestine and San Jiao (Triple Burner) Harmonizing Yin and Yang:In the busy outward shining energy of summer, it's important to remember to harmonize active (yang) energy with restful (yin) energy during the energetic summer months. A few characteristics of the Fire Element and SummerThe heart is seen as the sovereign, governing spiritual and mental activities.Sound: Laughter.Emotion: Joy.Spirit: Shen.Shen and Its Importance:Shen represents the mind and spirit, encompassing mental function and emotional health. The Shen Ming is the inner radiance and vitality that shines through one's eyes, reflecting enthusiasm and clarity of mind.Physiological and Philosophical Functions of the Heart:Circulation of blood.Abode of Shen, influencing mental clarity, memory, and sleep.Shen goes outward during the day and returns to rest in the heart at night.Meridians Connected to Fire:Heart (Yin): Sovereign organ, governing blood circulation and mental activities.Small Intestine (Yang): Separates pure from impure substances, both physiologically and mentally.Pericardium (Yin): Protects the heart both physically and emotionally, shielding it from excessive emotions.San Jiao (Yang): Regulates qi flow, without a direct Western anatomical counterpart; associated with three regions (upper, middle, lower jiao).Fire Personality Archetype:Typically extroverted, charismatic, and energetic.Enjoys socializing, drama, and sensation.Potential weaknesses: Anxiety, insomnia, depression when out of balance.Tendency to be the life of the party but may struggle with solitude and introspection.Seasonal Tips for Summer:Balancing Activities:Ensure adequate rest to prevent burnout.Incorporate cooling foods to counteract summer heat (e.g., mint, cucumber, lemon).Consider raw and cold foods if appropriate for one's constitution.Emotional and Spiritual Health:Practice mindfulness to maintain mental clarity and emotional balance.Embrace joy and laughter while avoiding extremes of any emotion.Disclaimer:The information provided is for general knowledge and entertainment. It is not medical advice, and listeners should consult healthcare professionals for personal health concerns.You will learn all this and much more in this episodeYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Full Show Notes https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-teacher-training/yin-yoga-podcast/Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast