80 Common Challenges of Yin Yoga: Community Conversations with Shannon Stephens

Yoga Medicine

The practice of Yin yoga is unusual in that it asks us to do the opposite of what we do in the rest of our lives. That contrast is powerful, but adjusting to it can bring up challenges.

In this episode, returning guest Shannon Stephens is back to talk to host Rachel about the common challenges of Yin Yoga for both students and teachers and shares her tips on how we can navigate them skillfully to get the most out of our practice.

Listen to this episode to learn how to embrace the contrast between Yin yoga and daily life to create a more fulfilling, and ultimately revealing practice.

Show Notes:

• Student challenges in Yin Yoga: dealing with discomfort [2:59]
• Discerning between different types of discomfort [4:32]
• Difficulty letting go in Yin [8:46]
• Managing the spectrum of mobility in a Yin yoga class [14:05]
• Noticing phasic changes within a Yin pose [19:49]
• Adjusting to the slow pace of Yin compared to the fast pace of life [20:35]
• Practical ways to attune to the subtle body in Yin [27:21]
• Yin can feel messy compared to other yoga styles [32:52]
• Challenges of teaching Yin Yoga [37:34]
• Pros and cons of moving around the room when teaching [39:10]
• How to leave more space for quiet [41:17]
• Strategies for keeping time [43:17]
• Guiding students out of poses and managing the “rebound” [46:12]
• Preparing to teach Yin [48:08]
• Tips for teaching Yin without props [50:45]
• Creating a safe, supportive space for students [53:36]
• Overall tips for managing the challenges of Yin: intention and compassion [57:41]
• Being prepared to teach and practice; show up authentically [1:00:32]
• Learning the impermanence of feelings and sensations [1:03:50]
• Final takeaways: every practice teaches us something [1:07:50]

Links Mentioned:

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Yoga Medicine Podcast Episodes:
  • Episode 41: The Hidden Benefits of Yin Yoga
  • Episode 77: Restorative Yoga Essentials
• Yin & Meditation Yoga Teacher Training
• Yoga Medicine Online Guest Teacher
• Connect with Shannon Stephens:

Facebook | Instagram | This Land Yoga

You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-80.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

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