Restorative Yoga, also known as the “Rest and Digest”, practice originated from the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar . It brings deep relaxation and balance to both the mind and body. One of Iyengar’s senior teachers, Judith Lasater popularized Restorative Yoga in the U.S.
I was first introduced to this beautiful practice in the early 90s by a wonderful priest in Mumbai.
I remember lying on the mat , head and hips propped by blankets, legs resting on the seats of folding chairs, eyes covered , the room warm and quiet. No music...I felt at home in my body.
This practice is a deeply reflective and supported approach to asana that uses props to create restorative poses . Sometimes all poses are not restorative at all times, but if you are in tune with your body, mind and practice, you will find ways to restore. The key is to find that sense of being receptive enough to understand the impact of the asanas. This practice has a profound impact on the nervous system.
Restorative practice is a practice like any active asana practice.
It may not come easily at first but with dedicated practice the mind can be trained to focus and the body slowly surrenders.
One of the points I discuss when I teach this is to ask the people why is there a struggle or attachment to a particular practice, its fun to explore the why —you learn about your own personality. ( that’s where a background of Ayurvedic understanding comes in) How might this practice be pacifying or agitating that nature/ constitution?
Am I engaging with the practice in a healthy, honest, and meaningful way. The reality is asanas when done properly are healing. But the teachings show us to get beyond that and venture to the inner work of the parts of us that are beyond injury: the breath the mind and the soul
Restorative classes typically include fewer poses than active classes – perhaps only four or five in an hour’s time, but those poses are held for five, ten, or even twenty minutes. This is a practice for people of all ages, all levels of yoga experience, in all states of health. Restorative yoga, with its props and long holds, can be effective in treating some conditions of illness or imbalance.
My practice this afternoon..just what I needed listening to the rain fall.🥰
- Viparita Karani (Legs Up the Wall) (12 mins)
One of my favourites is Legs Up the Wall Pose with or without a Bolster. It is a variation of Viparita Karani. You can do without the bolster too, the support from the bolster lengthens the hamstrings and eases back pain.
It’s such a gentle inversion that soothes the nervous system with the opposite flow of blood towards the base of the spine.
- Savasana ( corpse) with bolster under the knees. (15 mins)
“Yoga is not a work-out; it is a work-in. And this is the point of spiritual practice, to make us teachable, to open up our hearts, and focus our awareness so that we can know what we already know and be who we already are.” — Rolf Gates
If you’re wondering about Restorative Yoga and open to trying it...
Stay tuned..
