Yin offers various options for support... yes, I mean PROPS.  Using props provides an array of support (whether it's simply for comfort, or to bridge a gap or space between you and the floor, or to alleviate that tension when you are 'hovering' with resistance) but ultimately to allow you to relax and then be still in the pose, despite how challenging some of those poses can be.  Included in that array of items (bolsters, blocks, foam blocks, pillows, blankets, cushions, straps, etc.) one can also simply add the support of... the wall. Particularly when you don't want to do anything but collapse and be supported.  So, whatever your prop of choice (wall included), if you haven't tried one or two in your yin practice - why not explore and be curious to the benefits it can offer.  If only to be adventurous... you just never know.

"To acquire balance means to achieve that happy medium between 'the minimum' and 'the maximum' that represents 'your optimum'.  The minimum is the least you can get by with.  The maximum is the most you're capable of.  The optimum is the amount or degree of anything that is most favorable toward the ends you desire." - Nido Qubein

Striving for balance in our yin practice, specifically in our own body.  Finding that 'optimum' place in our pose, where we've have come to that appropriate depth... and noticing the differences from once side of our body to the other.  And, being kind and adapting when necessary.  Noticing where there is stability, where there are differences, tension, and finding that place of ease where we can be still.

Our practice this week includes, amongst other things,
our intention of moving into stillness.  This is one of the three tattvas of Yin Yoga Practice.  As explained in Bernie Clark's book, "The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga: The Philosophy and Practice of Yin Yoga", a tattva is the reality of a thing, or its category or principal nature.  Sarah Powers offers us three very simple and effective principles for the yin practice: Come into the pose to an appropriate depth; resolve to remain still; hold the pose for time.
So, I wanted to share the second tattva with those practicing with me this week - that of MOVING INTO STILLNESS.  And, as luck would have it, I found a very 'cool quote' which
embraces the message I was hoping to share... please check out:
http://coolrevolution.net/2012/05/19/cool-quote-of-the-day-moving-into-stillness/