We are often taught that if we have difficulty getting into a yoga posture, the primary reason is because we are tight. Our muscles and soft tissues are holding tension, which is preventing us from going further.
But this is only half the story. Ultimately one’s range of motion in a posture and one’s optimal alignment in a pose are determined by the unique shape of our bones, not by soft tissue resistance.
In this workshop, Josh will look closely at the implications that skeletal variation has on our ability to practice hip-opening postures. He will explore the skeletal impact on the movement of the femur, including: femoral flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal and external rotation.
From this more nuanced understanding of, he will guide you through a Yin Yoga sequence focusing on the hips to help clarify the concept of skeletal variation with direct experience.
Suitable for all levels.
What is Yin Yoga?
Yin Yoga is a complementary yoga practice to more dynamic and active yoga styles. In Yin Yoga, floor postures are held passively for several minutes in order to access a safe and positive ‘stress’ on the deeper layers of connective tissue in the body.
Physically, Yin Yoga restores and maintains the natural mobility of the joints, primarily between the navel and the knees. Energetically, Yin Yoga opens the body’s meridian system, which enhances the body’s energetic flow and supports emotional equilibrium.
Yin Yoga emphasizes stillness and silence. The practice prepares both the body and mind for deeper experiences in meditation.
About Josh:
Josh is a Yin Yoga teacher, a licensed acupuncturist, and a meditation instructor. Josh began studying Iyengar yoga in the early nineties with James Murphy in New York City. Since then, he has spent several years living abroad in India, Taiwan and Burma where he has studied both yoga and meditation. As his interest in vipassana or insight meditation developed so too did his interest in more contemplative forms of yoga practice. With a professional background in Oriental Medicine and a personal passion for the dharma, Josh fell in love with Yin Yoga as a beautiful synthesis of the two.
Josh founded the Summers School of Yin Yoga and now teaches workshops and trainings throughout the United States and Europe.
For more information, please visit his website: www.joshsummers.net
