Restorative yoga is a gentle, supportive, and therapeutic practice and is designed to relax and restore energy. It is a practice of passive healing. Your body has the innate ability to heal itself and many a time this is attained through good quality rest. Because of the total relaxation needed, restorative postures are primarily supine (on the back) and generally supported by props.
Restorative yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system, otherwise known as the “rest and digest” part of your nervous system that keeps basic bodily functions working as they should. It restores the body to its parasympathetic nervous system function, which helps the body rest, heal, and restore balance.
Asanas (posed or postures) are held for a longer period of time (don't worry, we won't be holding down dog for 5 minutes!) and breath work is deeper. This helps elicit the relaxation response which can help slow breathing, reduce blood pressure, and produce a feeling of calm and increased well-being.
We will be using props in our restorative class. These props include blocks, bolsters, or blankets. If you have these props available, that's great! If not, read on and I'll tell you the household items you can use instead of these props. The props help you hold the poses for longer without exerting your muscles. This is the key point to restorative yoga, no muscle exertion. Props allow you to feel supported and comfortable, regardless of your yoga experience.
Since you're fully relaxing in each pose while focusing on your breath, restorative yoga allows you to release tension in your muscles for longer periods without discomfort.
Props!
We will need props for our restorative yoga practice. Please read below and bring these household items or yoga props to our restorative class.
You don't have to run out and buy blocks, straps bolsters, and everything else. I'm giving you a list of household items right here that you can use in place of props. This table gives you the yoga prop (in case you already own it) and the household item to replace it.
Household Item | Yoga Prop |
Wash cloth | Eye pillow |
3 bath towels | Yoga blankets |
2 regular bed pillows | Big bolster |
2 rolls of paper towels | Small bolster |
2 larger, thick books | Blocks |
Blanket | Blanket |
Other optional items include a weighted blanket, a plant for your space, incense or oils, palo santo or sage to clear the energy in your space prior to our class.
Choose a space that is warm, dark, and quiet. We all know that doing yoga at home on Zoom can sometimes be distracting. Choose the best space for you, and whatever the Universe throws at you in the space, accept it, embrace it, and continue your practice. Remember, your practice is about progress, not perfection.
It is appropriate to wear socks in our restorative class. Keep a second blanket handy, in case you get chilly. Just in case you want an eye pillow, I make and sell them. You can purchase one at Circlegoddess Designs. No pressure or obligation, just wanted to let you know!
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