Move out of Winter stagnation.
In Chinese Medicine there are Five Elements that are central to nature’s cycles and are reflected in the cycles of our bodies. They are Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth, and each element is connected to a specific season, organ system and emotion.
Water is linked to Winter and the Kidney and Urinary Bladder. The Kidneys are the root of the yin and yang energies in our bodies. Water is about our will and courage. Just as water yields to adapt to what lies in its path, by cultivating its qualities we can learn to move with life’s natural flow with courage. During Winter we may feel dull, fatigued with compromised immunity or in a stagnant state. It is a time of hibernation and darkness where our potential can develop – a time to rest and conserve our Qi, rebuilding our strength, ready to emerge in Spring.
Led by Paula Hines, part one of this workshop will be a Kidney and Urinary Bladder yin yoga practice to help us move out of Winter stagnation. Physically the focus is on moving deeper into the connective tissues of the body (ligaments, tendons and fascia – the cling-film-like ‘tissue’ which holds our muscles together). In this slow practice, each pose typically lasts for three to five minutes.
This will prepare us for part two of the workshop – an extended yoga nidra practice of 45-50 minutes.
Imbalanced Kidney Qi (energy) can sometimes be mistakenly diagnosed as lower back problems and can manifest as fear, anxiety, worry and low moods. When the Kidney and Urinary bladder channels are given some attention, we can feel calm, relaxed and a sense of physical, mental and emotional balance. In addition, we may even feel a deeper connection to our creativity and passions, particularly if we’ve been feeling unproductive.
This workshop is open to all levels, however it is not suitable for pregnant students.
