Child (yin)

A quiet forward-folding yin posture where the body rests towards the thighs, with time given to breath, contact and inner listening.

“Rest towards the earth. Soften the belly. Let time do less.”

Child (yin) is a low, folded shape that invites the front body to yield and the back body to broaden. In yin practice, the posture is not held through effort. It is supported, adjusted and inhabited slowly, so that the body can meet the floor in a way that feels possible today.

The purpose is not to make the forehead reach the ground or to fold deeply. The purpose is to find a version of resting forward that allows the breath to stay available and the body to feel held.

1. 1Come onto your hands and knees.
2. 2Bring your big toes towards each other.
3. 3Take your knees together or wider apart.
4. 4Let your hips move back towards your heels.
5. 5Fold your torso towards your thighs or towards the space between them.
6. 6Rest your forehead on the floor, a prop or your hands.
7. 7Place your arms forward, beside the body or wherever they can soften.
8. 8Allow the belly and ribs to have room to breathe.
9. 9Remain for a quiet hold, adjusting whenever needed.

Instead of searching for the “correct” position, notice:

• •Is there space for the breath in the belly and ribs?
• •Do the knees feel comfortable in the fold?
• •Is the neck resting, or holding the head up?
• •Would support under the torso make the shape easier to stay with?

Let the breath show you how much space is available. In this folded shape, breathing may feel more contained. Notice whether the inhale can move into the back ribs, and whether the exhale allows any unnecessary holding to ease.

Observe the relationship between the hips, knees, spine and breath. Some students will need more height under the torso or forehead. Others may need the knees wider, or a completely different resting shape.

Reflect after practising:

• •Where did your body make contact with the ground or props?
• •Did your breath feel easy, compressed or changeable?
• •What happened when you added more support?
• •Was there a clear moment when it felt time to come out?

Rather than mistakes, you may notice:

• •Forcing the hips towards the heels
• •Compressing the belly and restricting the breath
• •Holding the head above the floor
• •Gripping through the shoulders or hands
• •Staying too long after the body asks to move

• •Place a bolster lengthways under the torso.
• •Support the forehead with a block or folded blanket.
• •Take the knees wider to give the belly more room.
• •Place a blanket behind the knees.
• •Rest the hips on a bolster or folded blanket.
• •Practise with the arms alongside the body.

• ✓The breath remains available.
• ✓The knees feel safe enough to stay.
• ✓The head and neck are supported.
• ✓The body can soften without strain.
• ✓Coming out feels steady and unhurried.