By early November the light is gone before dinner, and Sunday evenings can feel heavy with the week ahead. Yin Yoga at The Well offers a slower way to land. It runs Sundays at 5:30 pm, just as the dark settles in over Ganges.
What Yin Yoga is like at The Well
This is a quiet, restorative practice. The postures (asana) are gentle and supported by bolsters, and they are held for longer than you would find in a flowing class. The real work, as the class description puts it, is the softening and deepening into the body, and noticing what you perceive in each extended posture.
Each class begins with a warm-up, a brief pranayama (breath practice) and a setting of intention before moving into the longer holds. Kali Navada teaches the class.
Moving through the chakras
What sets this class apart is its thread of attention. The practice works with the chakra system, starting at the root chakra (Muladhara) and moving one chakra at a time up to the crown (Sahaswara). Perception, attention and gentle holding of the postures are used to guide energy upward through each centre.
Along the way there is some chanting of mantra (sacred sound), which is another way of bringing attention to each chakra. Through the seven chakras, the class explores themes such as:
- grounding and vitality
- creativity and discipline
- clear seeing
- love and aspiration
You do not need to know anything about chakras beforehand. You can simply follow the guidance, and join in with the chanting or listen, whichever feels right.
Who it suits
Yin suits anyone looking for a calm, restful close to the weekend. It can be a good fit if you:
- want a slower pace after a busy few days
- enjoy quiet, reflective practices
- are curious about breathwork, mantra or the chakra system
- like the support of props rather than strong effort
The Well's studio is bright and skylit, with a yoga wall, and mats, bolsters, meditation cushions and props are provided. Yin is slow and restful, though if you have an injury, are pregnant or live with a medical condition, check with a health professional about what suits you, and let the teacher know before class.
Making the most of your Sunday evening
A few simple ideas for this week:
- Book ahead. Space is limited and there are no waitlists, so reserve your spot on the schedule page.
- Arrive a few minutes early. The door often locks once class begins, and arriving early gives you time to settle.
- Wear soft, comfortable clothes you can relax in, and bring water.
- Keep the evening quiet. A warm drink, dim lights and an early night carry the calm forward.
A gentle invitation
If a slow Sunday evening sounds good, have a look at the class schedule and come along when it feels right. If you have questions first, you can reach us through the contact page. The studio will be quiet and ready, with a bolster waiting.