Here is another question I often get: "Can you recommend a stop watch or timer that is good to use when doing a self-guided yin practice? I have Bernie's book, but don't want to have to watch the clock. I was thinking of an hourglass sand-type time, and they have them on amazon.com, but just thought I'd ask. Thank you!"
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Good question. I have seen several different approaches to this. One student used a colour sand-filled egg timer that had three little hourglass tubes; one for 3, one for 4 and one for 5 minutes. The drawback was ... you have to look to see when your time is up. I personally use my Timex Ironman digital watch's countdown timer. One lady found a lovely egg-shaped egg time that not only made a noise, flashed lights, but it also vibrated.
There are several styles of meditation timers that could also be used. A google search will reveal a gaggle of them. I use a nice computer timer from the Washington Mindfulness Community www.mindfulnessdc.org/mindfulclock.html ... you can set the time, or have it be random even (not recommended for yin poses, but great for just bringing you back to the moment during the day.)
There may be other ideas out there too...thus this post. Do others have more thoughts.
cheers
Bernie