The Wisdom of the 'Respose' in Yin Yoga
Pentacle / 5 Pointed Supine Star
The ‘Repose’ in Yin Yoga practice is used as the thread, or the ‘Sutra’, between carefully curated asanas in a Yin Yoga sequence to allow the system to come to a state of ease and decompression in between each shape. Think of it as a mini-savasana in between each posture: The magic of stillness here allows for an observant practitioner to absorb the subtle significance of the preceding posture, and to soak up the benefits of the shape, before flowing onward to ‘what’s next!?’. Yin Yoga is a practice of honoring transitions, the space in between transitions, and the precious potency of the present.
One crucial objective in a conscious mindfulness embodiment practice such as Yin Yoga is the devotion to simplification. In Yin, when we no longer can rely on the normative patternings of stimulation and chaos, movement and turbulence, we are forced to get down to the bare bones of the practice: a system in stillness, and a body of breath.
By keeping movement to a minimum (letting the stimulation of Vinyasa- or FLOW- to be reserved for a more YANG practice), we assume a minimalist aspect: to renounce the rest of the world and just take refuge within the shape you’re in.
THE WISDOM OF THE REPOSE-
LENGTHENING THE LIMBS
SETTLING THE SPINE
RENUNCIATE, SURRENDER
OPEN TO DIVINE
In Tibetan Buddhism, the concept is referred to as Nekkhama: to Renunciate. As you lay down and become enmeshed in quietude, the subtle realm becomes more pronounced and externalities sheathe away. All that’s left is the beckoning will to draw inwards. Choosing a pentacle repose is a radical renunciation – a different way of being in the world: more refined.
It’s quite phenomenal to simplify and surrender enough to become unhinged from the normal turbulence your system learns to rely on. Without this preoccupation, you can learn to deeply love where you are right now.
About Kali:
International yoga teacher Kali Basman enriches the paradigm of Yin Yoga to integrate distinct aspects of Self into an innate wisdom practice to awaken a rich inner life and radiate with ritual. Her offering honors Yin Yoga as a tool to surrender to our intrinsic wholeness. On the textured path of mindful healing, Kali is celebrated for her integration of the 5 Elements and Chinese Meridian Theory with self-inquiry, embodied Anatomy, Buddhist Philosophy of Equanimity, and sharp intellect.
WANT TO PRACTICE WITH KALI? Learn more about her upcoming 5 Elements Yin & Restorative Yoga Teacher Trainings.
