We Can Do Hard Things Yin

What this Yin class is

Fifty minutes of Yin chosen to challenge you — and to remind you that you can do hard things. Because Yin holds poses for a long time, it can get uncomfortable, and a voice in your head starts saying I can’t do this, let’s give up. On the mat we practice ignoring that voice. I’ve picked poses from the deeper end of Yin — Dragon, Cow-Face arms, Squat and Dangling — shapes that build a little endurance and stamina, held long enough to test your resolve. The strength you find here has a way of following you off the mat. Come as you are — every pose has a gentler option and a deeper one.

Who this class is for

Anyone ready to be challenged: you have a steady Yin practice and want longer, tougher holds, or you simply love the idea of proving to yourself that you can stay when things get hard. It’s an intermediate class, but not a competition — you set the depth. New to Yin? Read the pose notes below first, keep your props close, and go at your own pace.

What you need

Your mat, a couple of yoga blocks, and a strap. The blocks support your hands in Dragon and become a seat in Squat; the strap helps with the Cow-Face arm bind. A warm, quiet space where you can be still helps too. Press pause whenever you need to, and if your body clearly signals you to stop a pose, please do — that’s always okay.

How Yin Yoga works — three simple cues

• Find your edge. Come to about 60–80% of your capacity — a real stretch, but never forcing or straining.
• Hold for time. Yin poses are held a while, and the length is where the change happens. Come out sooner if you need to — the hold times are only suggestions.
• Be still. Settle body and mind, let the shape do the work, and rest your attention on the sensations and your breath. Come out slowly when it’s time.