If a particular practice resonates with you (whomever the “you” is that is reading this) then it is not for anyone else to really say that it is or isn’t “okay”.
However here you’ve raised a pragmatic point. Not everyone shares the same perch on the continuum between safety and efficacy in the transmission of yoga. That is clear, factual, palpable, and obvious in our world. As I’ve said, some practices are very effective and completely careless about safety. Other practices are so very safe but you get a smattering of effect.
Much like the word “ashtanga” the phrase “yin yoga” has a variety of meanings. There is a nature to all the elements of the practice of yoga of which yin is a part. There is also a nature to a sequence of elements AND the nature which is left in the student after practicing said element(s).
And then there is the label Yin Yoga which is being used to represent and market certain teachings. I don’t know the lineage of those teachings nor do I know the steeping of the teachers, nor have I taken classes labeled as such.
What is relevant to me in reply here (based on my practice, teaching, study et al) is that the physical practice be aligned so as to not foster imbalance and harm in the student’s body. Flopping into a position, remaining there for 3 minutes, being told to feel and breathe…this is lovely, even relaxing. Is it more than that? Is it (without alignment) appropriate for healthy joints and connective tissue in the physical body? I don’t believe so. Others may. Can it be an exploration of self, a connection to dharma? Perhaps. However the obstruction of energy channels in a malaligned pose might bring that into question.
gordon
