The autumnal equinox in the northern hemisphere is tomorrow - September 22. This is the time that the sun sits directly above the earth’s equator. When this happens, day and night are the exact same length.

Talking about the equinox may seem “out of pocket” for an “exercise blog” (I truly hope you see this as much more than that) but I believe that becoming aware of our surroundings and environment may help us get in touch with our emotional, mental, and spiritual selves. You do not have to subscribe to the belief that celestial forces impact your life, but knowing that September 22, every being in the northern hemisphere is experiencing the same amount of daylight and the same amount of darkness can provide a sense of connection, or maybe a sense of isolation? 

The month of September at EXHALO FORTIS, we are focusing our attention on our mental well-being. In the previous blog post entitled MENTAL HEALTH, we established that physical activity is touted as beneficial for our mental well-being. This blog post discusses the therapeutic effects of Yin yoga and finding balance. 

YIN YOGA

You might have heard of Yin and Yang or of Yin yoga. But what is it? Yin yoga typically involves longer holds, is related to the femine, moon energy. Other words that describe Yin yoga are grounding, quiet, rooting. “The organs associated with Yin yoga are the kidneys, liver, heart, pericardium spleen, pancreas, and lungs” (Young, 2021). The power of Yin yoga can help “repair a strained joint . . . [and] some compressive Yin yoga poses may be helpful” (Young, 2021). 

I will throw some science at ya now to balance out some of these more “lofty” statements I’ve made regarding Yin yoga. This study found that “the five-week Yin yoga-based interventions appeared to reduce both physiological and psychological risk factors known to be associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs).” Some of these diseases include “psychological problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression which are known risk factors of NCDs.” In addition to these wonderful results, “the study suggests that incorporating Yin yoga could be an easy and low-cost method of limiting the negative health effects associated with high stress.” Need I say more?

BALANCE

I mentioned Yin and Yang so to maintain balance within this post I will touch a little bit on Yang. Yang is associated with masculine, solar energy. The postures in yoga related to yang are more active and energetic. 

While I highlighted the benefits of Yin yoga in the previous paragraph, I think it’s important to point out that the goal with yoga is to find wholeness and balance. Just because Yin yoga may be so hot right now, it does not mean that you should discount the benefits of other types of yoga. It all depends on what your body needs at the moment. If you feel scattered, anxious, and those intrusive thoughts are flowing - consider implementing a Yin centered yoga practice that day. If you are sluggish, depressed, unmotivated - a more active energetic yoga practice may be just what you need. 

CONCLUSION

Tomorrow is the autumnal equinox. I invite you to check-in with your mental and emotional self. How are your thoughts and feelings? What is something you can do to support your mental health? If it is beyond your control, may I suggest focusing on what you can change, what you can control. Perhaps get in touch with your Yin, moon, feminine energy if you are feeling anxious or scattered. Perhaps it’s not even practicing yoga. To be completely honest, my main go-to is running, not yoga. I find mental clarity, peace and calm when I run. If yoga is not your thing, focus your thoughts on your interests and what works for you in your life- then go ahead and pursue that! If you feel as if you have no interests - give Yin yoga a try. 

If you are struggling and these suggestions are overwhelming, I see you. I am with you. However, I encourage you to bask in the the day or the night tomorrow for a few moments. Sit there, breathe, and simply be. You are experiencing a natural, celestial event with millions of other beings. You are not alone. The moon and the sun, balanced. And remember - without darkness, there would be no light. Without light, there would be no darkness. You will find balance. I know it. Be well. 

Young, Michelle. “Teaching Foundations: 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training. Integrative Yoga in Application. My Vinyasa Practice. 2021.