The Beauty of Restorative Yoga

Image via yoganomics.net

Image via life.dailyburn.com

The two images above both show gorgeous, powerful yoga poses. Both poses have the ability to transform our bodies, our minds, and our energy levels. They both require the practitioner to work to let go completely, while paying attention to the breath, and they both require a great sense of self awareness. However, the first is meant to heat, energize, and detoxify the body, while the second is meant to cool, relax, and nurture the body. This is the beauty of yoga--it embraces and answers all of our needs in multiple ways, and there is a yoga antidote for every season.

Over the weekend, I taught my second annual "Preparing for the Holidays with Restorative Yoga" workshop at Tranquil Space, and as always, I was once again reminded of the beauty and power of restorative yoga poses.  The image on the right (above) shows one of the poses that we spent time in during this workshop, and I think it also accurately displays the difference between a more heated, vinyasa yoga practice (as seen in the image on the left), and a restorative yoga practice. "Preparing for the Holidays" is one of my favorite workshops that I teach all year, simply due to the fact that people seem to truly need it so much, and the sheer number of attendees speaks to this (it's been one of my biggest workshops of the year both times!)--as does the looks on people's faces both before and after the workshop. We just need stillness during this time of year, and it can be really hard to find the time and space for it. 

To me, one of the most beautiful aspects of yoga is the way in which our practice can change with our energy levels throughout the year, the seasons, and the ups and downs of life. I know that personally, in the winter, I have a tendency to want to hibernate, go inward, and refuel. I want to bundle up, curl into a ball, embrace the darkness, and sleep. I want to practice supported, relaxing yoga poses, and I want to take time to slow down (as I mentioned last week). If you, like me, are experiencing these urges, then I truly recommend that you make some time for restorative yoga. Practicing the art of deliberate stillness is a very powerful tool--especially during a season that is filled with so much movement. 

So, here's my challenge to you: take time for at least 1 restorative yoga pose this week (or, even better--at least one pose per day!). Maybe that means going to a full-length class at your nearest studio, or maybe it means coming into a pose near the end of an active practice, or at home, and simply taking the time to enjoy it. I think that if you make time for one of these poses, you will see what a big difference it makes in your stress levels. 

For those who don't know much about Restorative Yoga, you can check out this post that I wrote after last year's workshop, which includes a few details on how to come into some of my favorite restorative poses. Or, if you have a little more time, you can watch this instructional video featuring a fabulous Tranquil Space teacher, Siobhan:

I hope you can find time to restore your body + mind this holiday season! You need it. 

Namaste,
Mary Catherine

PS. Thanks to all who came out for my workshop! It was a joy to have you there :)