Instructions

Create your own sequences or check out my favorites here! Pull out all the cards for your sequence, arrange them in front of your mat, and start practicing. It's that simple.

Here is some more information about how the cards are organized and designed:

Many yin poses are sided (right and left sides), which is why this 54-card deck includes 37 different yin yoga poses. There is also 1 breathing exercise.

Both sides of the card are color-coded. This is to help you visually identify the primary and secondary target of each pose and counter pose. This is what each color means:

• Purple: Back Bends, Heart Openers
• Dark Blue: Shoulder Openers, Upper Body Poses
• Light Blue: Hip Openers
• Green: Forward Folds, Lower Body Poses
• Yellow: Side Body Poses
• Orange: Spine Mobility, Twists
• Red: Joints, Transitions, Resting, Breathing

On the FRONT of each card is the name of the pose, an image of the pose, and 1 or 2 colors. The predominant color (the innermost color or color of the flower) represents the primary target of the pose. The outermost color, if different, represents the secondary target of a pose.

For example, if the front of the card has a light blue flower surrounded by red, then that pose is predominantly a hip stretch (light blue), but can also be considered a rest or transition pose (red).

On the BACK of each card is the recommended hold time, alignment cues, list of counter poses, and 1 or 2 colors. The color of the flower should match the front flower, which indicates the primary target of the pose. The background color, or color outside the flower, represents the primary target of most of the counter poses.

For example, if the back of the card has a purple flower and a green background, then that pose is predominantly a back bend (purple), and the counter poses are predominantly forward folds (green).

Not every pose has a counter pose. Some are pure relaxation poses, a breathing exercise, or simply do not have any commonly suggested counter poses.

Not every single counter pose will be listed. On the back of each card is a short list of suggested counter poses, but other intuitive movements and poses like Shavasana and Child's Pose are always an option.

As you practice, make sure to keep the 4 principles of yin yoga in mind:

1. Come into a pose to your appropriate edge. On a scale of 1-10, 10 being your absolute limit, try to hold a pose around a level 4.
2. Become still. Try to release into the pose and remain still without shifting.
3. Hold the pose. The back of each card indicates a suggested hold time.
4. Release with care. Come out of each pose slowly, gently, and with absolute attention. Yin yoga is as much about the transitions as it is about the poses themselves.

For my favorite sequences, click here!