yoga

47

december 2018 / january 2019

yogajournal.com.sg

And while that may be true, restorative yoga
is also an advanced practice that requires a
tremendous amount of dedication, patience,
skill, courage, and compassion. It can be
a deeply transformative path toward self-
awareness, insight, and emotional and spiritual
growth.
While the practice presents a way to fast-
track calming your nervous system—thanks to
supported resting postures designed to be held
for long periods of time—it can be hard to shed
the racing thoughts and tension that most of
us carry throughout the day. In fact, restorative
yoga is closer to a meditation practice than a

movement practice. It challenges us to slow

down, relax, and be with ourselves.

With each breath we take during restorative

yoga, we consciously unwind. This creates

an opportunity to release deep tension,

which leads to ease in our bodies and minds

and even helps us notice the ways in which

we keep working and doing, physically and

mentally—even when it’s not necessary.

I created the restorative yoga practice on

the following pages to help you relax but also

to help you transition back into your day-to-day

pursuits in a more mindful way, so you can

make more nourishing choices all day long.

THE FOLLOWING POSES USE PROPS—such as blankets, bolsters, and blocks—so that you don’t need to exert any muscular
effort. During this practice, it’s important to let go of any stretching or strengthening goals you may have. Try these poses
all at once or individually, at any time of the day. Enjoy them after a mindful movement practice if you wish. If you are new
to restorative yoga, stay in each pose for 3–10 minutes, and come out when you feel you’ve had enough. As you become
familiar with the poses and the practice of deep relaxation, you can extend to 10–20 minutes per pose. Stay still with the
variety of sensations, thoughts, and emotions that may arise. Each pose is accompanied by journal prompts that will help you
transition back into your day with purpose and poise.

Most people think of restorative

yogaasayummy,relaxingpractice

a respite when you're tired, injured,

or you simply want to chill out.

Ready, set, relax