Ulrica Norberg - Yin Yoga: An Individualized Approach to Balance, Health, and Whole Self Well-Being

Copyright 2014 by Ulrica Norberg

Photos copyright 2014 by Sebastian Forsman

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Norberg, Ulrica.

Yin Yoga : an individualized approach to balance, health, and whole self well-being / Ulrica Norberg ; photography by Sebastian Forsman.

pages cm

ISBN 978-1-62636-395-3 (hardcover : alk. paper)

1. Yin Yoga. 2. Well-being. I. Title. II. Title: Yin Yoga.

RA781.73.N67 2014

613.7046--dc23

2013047289

Printed in China

Important Note:

If you are unsure regarding your health status or if you have any imbalances you might think are aected through yoga practice, please seek advice from a doctor or professional physical therapist before embarking on this practice. This book is by no means a substitute to an experienced yoga teacher who can see your needs and can support you in your practice.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD

By Yogiraj Alan Finger

T hrough her experiences of life in many ways and long-term studies of Yin Yoga, Ulrica has come across a brand new concept of Yin Yoga that I am very pleased to have had a part in by encouraging her and developing this concept with her. I have contributed with my guidance, experience, and expertise, and I fully support this amazing growth.

In our many talks and conversations, Ulrica started to tell me about the art and practice of Yin Yoga and her own experience around adding in ISHTA kriyas into her practice. I inquired more, as I had little reference to this approach to yoga. The more she showed and shared with me about Yin Yoga, the more I felt in my own body that this is a phenomenal way of bringing you to yogas utter goal: meditation. Since you are holding the poses for several minutes, focusing on your breath, it targets the fascia and calms the nervous system. Kriya is the yoga of the subtle body and its integration is what makes Ulricas practice of yin so unique. It is a perfect vehicle for one to use to attain better health, a richer life, and more overall well-being. It brings us out from a world where we are controlled by the mind and senses and back to our essence. When we experience yoga , we are more in tune with what we need to live a life more in balance with the true self and in alignment with the environment around us.

Through the addition of an ISHTA perspective and especially the kriya techniques, I personally believe Yin Yoga will evolve to an entirely new level, as they are the vehicles through which we can connect back to spirit. Kriyas also inherently align the physical and the subtle body so it is the safest way to practice yin. In her practice as well as in this book, Ulrica does it in such a graceful and delicate way.

In the fast, modern times of today, it is so easy to lose track of ones direction, needs, and self-worth, which often translates to a more extroverted (rajasic) life, usually followed by poor health and unhappiness. As yogis, this tendency also aicts our practice when it becomes a quest for perfection, wants, and urges. The yoga run by the fluctuations of the mind, rather than a yoga practice that focuses on quieting the mind, is feeding our imbalanced patterns rather than coming back to spirit, where ones true health lies.

That is why Hatha yoga is such a powerful tool. But we need both aspects of Hatha; HA (solar) and THA (lunar) and, therefore, Yin Yoga is a fantastic tool in integrating the tha aspects of our practice so we can build a more balanced practice.

Ulrica shares her background in an open and transparent way, which is refreshing in a yoga book. I believe this book to be a wonderful inspiration and an additional tool for any yogi on the path to a more individually adapted yoga practice.

Hari Om Tat Sat,

Namaste,

Alan Finger

November 2013

New York, New York

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to take the opportunity to express my utmost gratitude to all of you who have supported me throughout this process and to those who have inspired me to keep deepening my understanding of life, the human psyche, yoga, meditation, spirituality, anatomy/physiology/biomechanics, psychology, personal growth, art, and health. I also bow to the art of yoga for showing me the tools to connect to myself to figure out who I am and what works and does not work for me.

To me, life is an exciting avenue to walk on. I see life as a journey on which I get to experience energy in many ways. So thank you to all my ancestors, and to my mom and my dad for granting me life. Also a deep thank-you to my grandmothers, Inga and Lisa; two of the strongest, most inspiring women I have ever met. You have given me so much courage and shown me how to love even when life is challenging.

I would never have been bold enough to write this book if it hadnt been for all the years of practicing yoga and meditation. I bow to my practice since it mirrors so much in myself, showing me where I am in the moment, where I am heading, and what I possess inside. The practice of yoga and meditation holds everything together and awakens me to a fuller existence.

For me, my home and my family are my anchors in life. My biggest supporters are my children, Olivia and Edgar, and my life companion, Magnus. I can never thank you enough for being there with me, every step of the way, supporting me and loving me for me. I love you so much.

I wish to thank my teachers in many areas of study, both academic and non-academic. You all have shown such dedication, devotion, appreciation, and love, and you have shared your knowledge and experience in a personal way.

Some of you have made a deep imprint on my yoga path: Carole Sage, John Sachs, BKS Iyengar, Shri K. Pattabhi Jois, TKV Desikachar, Bryan Kest, Ana Forrest, Chuck Miller, David Swenson, Patricia Walden, Erich Schiffman, Seane Corn, John Friend, Anodea Judith, David Frawley, Donna Fahri, Shri O P Tiwarij, Dr. Vasant Lad, Gary Kraftsowto name some of you beautiful masters of yoga.