Yoga Style Highlight | Restorative
Can Restorative Yoga provide passive healing? If you’ve ever wondered about what Restorative Yoga can do for you, this is worth the read!
“I remember my first restorative class; it was in my yoga teacher training. I had done Yin before and assumed it was the same. Our lead instructors told us to grab 2-3 blankets, 2 bolsters and straps. I was very confused and a little flustered trying to bring everything to my mat.
One of my instructors said ’today we are going to learn about restorative yoga, some of you will love this and some will find the stillness challenging’.
I was nearing the end of a month-long training, 5am wake up calls and 8 hours of practising/learning/teaching. I was excited to relax but I was confused as to why it would be challenging. I learned that day that this style of yoga encourages physical, mental and emotional relaxation. It is accessible to all levels, it is a very slow practice with deep breathing and long holds with the asanas. The props used in the class are to help assist you and support you, hopefully reducing the effort but still opening the body. I fell in love with the practice, and decided shortly after graduating to take training specifically on restorative yoga. I wanted to learn everything I could on making this part of my practice and classes.
Yoga in itself is a healing practice, the movement stirs up the energy while our breathwork helps calm the mind. There is SO much happening below the surface in our practice.
Let me set the scene: Cue the low lights, comfy clothes, bolsters/pillows, soft music and a vibe that just makes you want to close your eyes and settle into relaxation. A voice softly cues you to breathe and feel your breath. This is intentional breathing, or some say, mindful breathing. Feel your breath - inhale, exhale - over and over. Did you take yourself there? Serene, bliss, calm… you’re setting yourself up to feel that and so much more.
A common misconception is that restorative is simply “napping on your mat” (Maya K), sometimes you might fall asleep (guilty) but in those cases all I can say is, you really, really needed that rest. For all the other times it’s a very deep relaxation, it’s a moment where you are supported and safe. Passive healing is what is taking place, as you hold these asanas for longer periods. The practice of Restorative Yoga helps the breath slow down, lowers the blood pressure and hopefully produces a sense of calm … leading to an increased well-being.
The challenge; often when our bodies are still, our minds become very active. (Picture before bed when all your thoughts stream through your mind … the endless to do list, reflecting on your daily actions …) The hope is with the guided breath, soothing music & calm voice, that the class will help bring you away from your thoughts in a gentle way. Noticing what’s important but hopefully being able to let them go, you will often hear me say “notice, without judgment.” Sometimes those thoughts are important, sometimes they were once stuck and now being released. It does not need to take away from your practice, notice the thought, without judgement, then let it go.
What to Expect from a Restorative Yoga Class @ The Aura House
At The Aura House, you are given a bolster but need to bring additional props (blocks, blankets, pillows) During the class I’ll cue how to use them to support you in different ways, making the pose uniquely yours.
The energy brought into the class is intended to be a midweek reset and unwind, allowing our parasympathetic nervous system to take over, allowing our bodies to rest. My intention is that the same energy we build in class carries into your evening, and the remainder of your week.
I hope to see you on your mats soon
xo”
Blog Post Written by Diana Amaya - Creator of Divine Luna Healing & Yoga Instructor at The Aura House Brampton
