The Tattvas of Yin Yoga
What is a Tattva?
Tattva (Sanskrit: तत्त्व) means "thatness," "truth," or "principle." It refers to the fundamental elements or building blocks of reality. In yogic philosophy, tattvas are the essential components that make up both the outer universe and the inner landscape of the self.
-
In classical Indian thought systems like Samkhya, Tantra, and Vedanta, tattvas help explain how consciousness (Purusha) interacts with matter (Prakriti).
-
There are said to be 24 to 36 tattvas, depending on the philosophical system, outlining the evolution from pure consciousness to material form.
In the context of Yin Yoga, we adapt this concept more symbolically and experientially—using tattvas to reflect key principles that govern a balanced, embodied practice.
The 5 Tattvas (Principles) of Yin Yoga
As adapted by teachers like Paul Grilley and others in the modern Yin tradition, the tattvas of Yin Yoga are practical guiding principles to support a safe, meditative, and effective practice.
1. EDGE: Come into the Pose at the Appropriate Depth
-
Find your edge—the place where you feel sensation but are not forcing.
-
The intention is to stress the target area (like the fascia), not strain the muscles or joints.
-
Less is more; ease in slowly and mindfully.
2. STILLNESS: Resolve to Be Still
-
Once you’ve settled into your shape, remain as still as possible.
-
Stillness allows deeper layers of tension to release—physically, energetically, and emotionally.
-
Movement should be intentional, not habitual or fidgety.
3. TIME: Hold the Pose for Time
-
Yin Yoga postures are held between 3–7 minutes, sometimes longer.
-
Time allows tissues like fascia, ligaments, and tendons to gently adapt and hydrate.
-
Holding poses for time also supports meditative presence and introspection.
4. RELEASE: Exit the Pose with Care
-
Leaving a pose too quickly can create instability or strain.
-
Transition out slowly, and honor the rebound—a period of rest to observe sensations.
-
This is where energetic integration happens.
5. PRESENCE: Practice with Mindfulness
-
Throughout the practice, maintain an inward awareness.
-
Yin is not about perfecting shapes—it's about sensation, stillness, and self-inquiry.
-
Mindfulness invites the emotional, energetic, and spiritual layers of the practice to emerge.
Why These Tattvas Matter in Yin Yoga
-
They help balance the Yin (receptive, still, passive) and Yang (active, dynamic) aspects of practice and life.
-
The tattvas encourage a meditative, healing approach to asana.
-
They provide a framework for exploring the deeper dimensions of the self—body, mind, energy, and spirit.
Earth Element Asanas & Veribiage
-
Ankle Stretch
-
Bananasana
-
Bridge
-
Broken Wing
-
Child Pose
-
Deer
-
Frog
-
Heart Bed
-
Happy Baby
-
Half Happy Baby
-
Heart Bed
-
Intense Foot Stretch
-
Low Lunge
-
Neck Stretch
-
Puppy
-
Rabbit
-
Reclined Hero
-
Relaxed Forward Fold with compression on front body
-
Shoe Lace (Seated with Forward Fold, or supine with hugging in)
-
Sphinx
-
Splits
-
Supine Twist
-
Supta Baddha
-
Toe Yoga
-
Wide Legged Forward Fold
-
Wide Legged Single Seated Leg Stretch
-
Wide Wipers
-
Wind Removing Pose
"Let your breath fall like rain into the soil of your being, softening the ground beneath your heart."
"Feel your bones root down, steady as mountains — your body remembering the ancient language of stillness."
"Your presence is enough — like the earth, you hold without effort, nourish without asking."
"Melt your weight into the mat, as if your spine is sinking into the arms of the earth itself."
"Let your thoughts compost — turning restlessness into rich soil for stillness to grow."
"Your feet are prayers — pressed gently into the altar of the ground."
"Let your exhale be an offering, your inhale a receiving — the breath of the earth moving through you."
"Your stability doesn't come from stiffness, but from surrender — soft and rooted, like a tree in trust."
"As you settle, feel your body as landscape — curves of hills, rivers of breath, the rise and rest of your own terrain."
"With every pause, your nervous system gathers stones of safety — stacking sanctuary inside your skin."
Water Element Asanas & Verbiage
-
Bananasana
-
Bridge
-
Child’s Pose – If Front Body Is Compressed
-
Deer
-
Double Pigeon
-
Frog
-
Half Pigeon
-
Happy Baby
-
Heart Bed
-
Intense Foot Stretch
-
Lizard
-
Neck Stretch Chin To Chest
-
Puppy
-
Rabbit
-
Reclined Hero
-
Relaxed Forward Fold
-
Rock The Baby
-
Shoelace
-
Sphinx
-
Splits
-
Supine Twist
-
Supta Baddha
-
Toe Yoga
-
Wide Legged Forward Fold
-
Wide Legged Single Leg Stretch
-
Wide Wipers
-
Wind Removing
"Let your breath ripple like a stream, smoothing the edges of your inner landscape."
"Your body remembers how to soften — like water, it yields and yet wears down stone."
"Let your spine undulate like a wave — rising, curling, releasing into shore."
"Your emotions are sacred tides — rising not to overwhelm, but to cleanse."
"Let your inhale fill the well of your belly, your exhale pour peace into every crevice."
"Your stillness is not stagnation — it is the quiet depth of a mountain lake."
"Your hips hold oceans — move slowly and let what is buried begin to surface."
"Feel your practice like rain on thirsty ground — nourishing without force."
"Let your breath carve channels for grace — flowing through resistance with devotion."
"Your softness is power — like the sea, you reshape the world with patience."
Fire Element Asanas
-
Bananasana With Arms Up
-
Bridge With Arms Up
-
Broken Wing
-
Child’s Pose With Arms Forward (Or Thread The Needle Variation)
-
Frog With Arms Stretched Forward
-
Half Pigeon With Arms Stretched Way Out
-
Heart Bed
-
Neck Stretch (Ear To Shoulder)
-
Puppy
-
Rabbit
-
Reclined Hero With Arms Up
-
Supine Twist
-
Wide Wipers With Arms Up
"Your breath is a flame — steady, bold, and alive in the center of your being."
"Ignite your courage from within — let your spine rise like a wick catching light."
"Your strength doesn’t roar — it glows, quietly forging transformation beneath the surface."
"Let the fire of intention burn away what you no longer need."
"Each inhale is kindling, each exhale a spark — together, they light your path."
"Feel the heat of your presence — warm, radiant, unshakable."
"Your core is a hearth — come home to the blaze of your own knowing."
"As you hold the pose, let your inner fire speak: I am here, I am strong, I am becoming."
"Even stillness carries heat — your awareness is the fire that awakens the body."
"Let your passion be the fuel and your breath the flame that carries it with grace."
Metal Element Asanas
-
Banana With Arms Up
-
Bridge With Arms Up
-
Broken Wing
-
Child Pose With Arms Forward
-
Frog With Arms Forward
-
Heart Bed With Arms Out
-
Neck Stretch
-
Puppy
-
Reclined Hero With Arms Up
-
Supta Baddha With Arms Up
-
Half Pigeon With Arms Forward
-
Supine Twist (Focus On Chest/Shoulder)
-
Wide Wipers With Arms Overhead
"Your breath is a blade — clear, refined, cutting through the noise to what matters most."
"Feel the structure within you — the quiet elegance of bones holding truth."
"Let each exhale polish your spirit like wind across stone, revealing your essence."
"Your stillness is not empty — it is precision, discipline, and grace in quiet form."
"In letting go, you find strength — like metal cast anew in the heat of surrender."
"Shape your breath like a sculptor — steady, intentional, refined."
"Your body holds a sacred architecture — forged in resilience, guided by clarity."
"Let your alignment be a prayer of precision — nothing more, nothing less."
"There is beauty in restraint — let the simplicity of this moment sharpen your awareness."
"Inhale strength, exhale what no longer serves — trust the alchemy of release."
Wood Element Asanas
-
Ankle Stretch
-
Bananasana
-
Child’s Pose (Knees Wide)
-
Deer
-
Double Pigeon
-
Frog
-
Half Pigeon
-
Happy Baby
-
Intense Foot Stretch
-
Lizard
-
Neck Stretch (Ear To Shoulder)
-
Rabbit
-
Rock The Baby
-
Shoelace (Seated Or Supine)
-
Splits
-
Supine Twist
-
Supta Baddha
-
Toe Yoga
-
Wide Legged Forward Fold
-
Wide Single Seated Leg Stretch
-
Wide Wipers
-
Wind Removing Pose
"Your body is a tree — rooted in purpose, reaching for possibility."
"Feel the stretch as growth — the gentle tension of becoming."
"Let your spine be a trunk — steady, resilient, alive with energy."
"Each breath nourishes your inner forest — feeding dreams, vision, and direction."
"You are not stuck — you are simply gathering force, like a bud before bloom."
"Grow where you are — reaching toward light even from the dark."
"Feel the strength in your flexibility — the power of bending without breaking."
"Your movement is a vine — winding, curious, full of life’s quiet rebellion."
"Let your practice carve new paths — like roots breaking through stone."
"You are nature becoming — unafraid to change, to stretch, to rise."
Module Exam
You will be guided through 4 postures for each of the 5 elements by Hali Love. In these videos, Hali will both demonstrate and instruct each posture to clearly illustrate the key alignment points, energetic qualities, and teaching cues associated with each pose.
Please note: This is not Hali's usual teaching style—her typical classes are student-centered and minimally demo-based. However, for the purposes of this training and to support your learning, she is intentionally both practicing and teaching simultaneously to ensure you receive clear and direct guidance.
-
Before you begin - do a A 7 Bodies Check In
-
Keep your journal and pen handy
-
As you move through the class, take time to reflect and record your insights for each posture.
This may include: -
Verbiage or language related to the associated element
-
Observations or connections to the meridian lines
-
Effective teaching cues or alignment refinements
-
Any personal or energetic experiences you noticed in the pose
These reflections will help deepen your understanding of the yin yoga and Traditional Chinese Medicine integration, and support your growth as a mindful, intentional teacher.
Email your written analysis by sending a PDF or JPEG file of your written answers through the link below.