Join YOURZEN ABC for Progressive Yin Yoga in Grays, a mindful, mat-based practice that invites you to slow down, explore stillness and develop a deeper relationship with your body.

In contrast to more dynamic styles of yoga, Yin Yoga involves settling into postures for longer periods, using props and gentle adjustments to find a position that feels appropriate for you.

At YOURZEN ABC, the experience goes beyond stretching. Each session begins with mindful breathing and finishes with meditation or Yoga Nidra, allowing time for rest, reflection and integration.

What is Yin Yoga?

Yin Yoga is influenced by traditional Chinese Taoist philosophy and practices. It uses slow, mostly floor-based postures, which are generally held for a period of time in a relaxed and attentive way.

Rather than focusing on continuous muscular movement, Yin Yoga explores stillness and the body's relationship with longer-held postures.

The practice is commonly associated with working with connective tissues, including fascia and ligaments, while developing mobility, body awareness and patience.

Every body is different. We use props and suitable variations to help you find a comfortable, appropriate level of sensation without forcing or pushing into pain.

What makes Progressive Yin Yoga different?

At YOURZEN ABC, I take a progressive and holistic approach to Yin Yoga. and holistic approach to Yin Yoga.

The practice is not about achieving the deepest stretch or holding a pose for as long as possible. It is about learning to understand your body, becoming aware of your sensations and gradually developing your own practice.

We explore the physical experience alongside the energetic, mental and reflective aspects of wellbeing.

My approach also draws inspiration from the idea of the five bodies, or koshas, a traditional yogic model of human experience:

• Physical body (Annamaya Kosha): our physical body and its relationship with movement and sensation.
• Energetic body (Pranamaya Kosha): our breath and vital energy.
• Mental and emotional body (Manomaya Kosha): thoughts, feelings and patterns of awareness.
• Wisdom body (Vijnanamaya Kosha): insight, discernment and deeper understanding.
• Bliss body (Anandamaya Kosha): a sense of inner peace and connection.

This model offers a holistic way of reflecting on ourselves. It is not a medical framework or something we need to achieve during a class.

What to expect from your practice

Each Progressive Yin Yoga session is designed as a complete experience, with time to arrive, breathe, explore, rest and reconnect.

1. Arrive and settle

We begin by creating a calm and welcoming space. You will have time to organise your mat and props, settle in and connect with the group.

The sense of community is an important part of YOURZEN ABC. You are welcome to come as you are, without expectations or pressure.

2. Mindful breathing

Every session begins with mindful breathing.

This gives you an opportunity to pause, notice your breath and bring your attention into the present moment. It is a gentle transition from the busyness of everyday life into your personal practice.

3. Progressive Yin Yoga practice

We move through a series of mainly floor-based postures, settling into each one with patience and awareness.

Postures are held for longer than in many dynamic yoga styles, with props used to support your body and help you find a suitable position.

You will be guided to notice sensation, soften unnecessary effort and respect your individual limits. The intention is never to force a stretch or push through pain.

We explore the physical body while also making space for breath awareness, mental stillness and reflection.

4. Meditation or Yoga Nidra

We finish with a period of deep relaxation, meditation or Yoga Nidra.

This final part allows you to rest after the practice and bring together the different elements of the session.

It is a valuable part of the experience, giving you time to be still, listen inwardly and simply be.

More than stretching: a holistic yoga experience

Many people first discover yoga through its physical postures. At YOURZEN ABC, I believe the experience can be much wider.

Yoga offers a traditional philosophy that extends beyond the mat. The Eight Limbs of Yoga provide a framework for exploring how we relate to ourselves, others and the world around us.

They include:

• Yama and Niyama: ethical principles and personal observances.
• Asana: physical postures.
• Pranayama: breath awareness and regulation.
• Pratyahara: turning the senses and attention inward.
• Dharana: concentration.
• Dhyana: meditation.
• Samadhi: deep integration or absorption.

Our classes are not intended to teach or complete all eight limbs in a single session. Instead, the wider philosophy inspires the way we bring breath, movement, awareness, stillness and connection into our practice.

Alongside the physical practice, the group environment offers an opportunity to feel part of a community and share a little time and space with others.

This is what makes the YOURZEN ABC experience different: we make room for the whole practice, not just the postures.

What to bring

For your comfort and support, please bring:

• Your own yoga mat.
• A bolster or a very firm cushion, such as a firm sofa cushion.
• Two yoga blocks.
• A yoga strap.
• A bottle of water.
• A blanket for the final relaxation, meditation or Yoga Nidra.
• The bolster or firm cushion is particularly useful for supporting your body in the longer-held postures.

Water is helpful to have available throughout the session, particularly as we move gently between postures.

Who is this class for?

Progressive Yin Yoga may appeal to you if you:

• Feel you need to slow down and make space for yourself.
• Enjoy a gentle, slower-paced yoga practice.
• Want to explore mobility and flexibility mindfully.
• Spend much of your day sitting or working at a desk.
• Would like to develop greater body awareness.
• Enjoy meditation, stillness and relaxation.
• Are curious about a more holistic approach to yoga.

Yin Yoga is not about being flexible or getting every posture right. Props and variations can help you adapt the practice to your body.

If you have an injury, health concern or are unsure whether Yin Yoga is appropriate for you, please contact me before attending. Some postures may need to be adapted or avoided.

Class details

Style: Progressive Yin Yoga
Day: Tuesday
Time: 7:30 pm
Venue: Belmont Village Hall, Parker Road, Grays, Essex
Teacher: Diana Keran – YOURZEN ABC