Often considered the most decadent of practices with its focus
on ease and comfort, restorative yoga promotes rest and relaxation
of the body and mind. Practiced almost exclusively on the floor in
reclining or supine shapes, this passive practice allows the body
to ‘be held’ by bolsters, blankets and blocks. While these shapes
provide an opportunity for the body to restore and heal itself, the
stillness and quiet of the practice allows us to cultivate an
awareness of the breath and mind in the present moment.
Like a tonic for the central nervous system, a restorative practice helps to de-habituate the body’s response to chronic stress and alleviates the effects of constant movement and ‘busy doing’ that are so common in our modern lives. Restorative yoga is also a tool for managing symptoms of adrenal fatigue, burnout, depression or anxiety as well as processing any significant emotional event such as loss or grief.
Restorative yoga is available to all students of life, yoga, meditation and mindfulness, regardless of experience, ability or body type.