[.ca] Yin Yoga: Outline of a Quiet Practice (ISBN 1883991439)

Simple, easy to follow:
No words are wasted in this book, its brief and to the point. Paul Grilley covers the meridians/nadis in the body and how they are affected by this simple yet deep practice. In my opinion, yin yoga is much needed in our vinyasa-focused Western vision of hatha yoga. I am an ashtanga teacher and the practice of yin yoga has increased my understanding and awareness of my physical body. It is a welcome compliment to the yang aspect of my personal practice. Almost all the postures in this book are seated since yin yoga focuses on the area from the hips to the knees. What I love about this particular style is that you can do it first thing in the morning when you're cold and stiff or after a heated vinyasa practice. I recommend this book because out of my numerous yoga texts, this is one that I constantly reach for.

Combines Chinese mysticism with Indian philosophy...:
Admittedly, my study of yoga has been mostly superficial: I've read a few books, but never studied with a professional teacher. However, I do enjoy the few asanas (poses/postures) that I do practice regularly, and was glad to receive an opportunity to expand on them. Grilley combines Chinese mysticism with Indian philosophy to create yin yoga, incorporating the Modern Meridian Theory of Dr. Hiroshi Motoyama and Dr. James Oschman. This theory postulates that the meridians run through the connective tissue of the body, representing the yin energy, whereas the muscle tissue represents the yang. Included are several colour diagrams of the body and connective tissue to illustrate this point. The main difference between what Grilley calls 'yang yoga' and 'yin yoga' is that the postures in the latter are held longer, with the muscles relaxed, rather than the straining of 'yang yoga'. A large variety of poses are illustrated with photographs and detailed explanations on the benefit and suggestions for the novice and more advanced student, giving a range in the degree of difficulty. Three sample routines are included with various emphasis on spine, hips and legs and then a combination. The sample routines are arranged in such a way that the transition between them feels smooth and natural. Several sitting postures are detailed as well, with brief descriptions of the chakras, and a variety of pranayama and meditation techniques, including Sushumna Purification, chakra and kundalini meditation, Bija or "seed" mantras, etc. Regarding chakras, Grilley brings up an excellent point often overlooked: 'When trying to describe where a chakra "is" one is in a dilemma. Common language suggests that they are physically located in the spine but the reader should bear in mind that this is both true and false. A "broken heart" is a real experience that indeed seems cantered in the heart but that is not where the feelings "are". The chakras have a physical correspondence but they are more than physical. Bear this in mind when reading about "where" a chakra "is". Don't be limited by only physical conceptions.' (pg. 93) I found the practical section to be effective and the theory is as sound as any. This is definitely a book I value, and suggest it to anyone looking for a different perspective on yoga.

Yin Yoga Stretches more than tissue:
I took a Yin Yoga workshop from Sarah Powers and that's how I came to connect with Paul Grilley's book. I use this in my yoga classes and after spending the summer working on my "yin" yoga I have noticed a marked increase in my flexibility. This book is full of very valuable information. Paul covers all the bases! I have a number of students wanting to purchase this book. You won't be disappointed with this book. You can read it ina couple of hours but will find you keep refering back to it because there is so much information in it.