Restorative Yoga: the Antidote to Stress

Restorative yoga offers a respite from a fast paced, stressful world. Taking time to nurture and take care of ourselves is vital to living well. With the use of simple props and the practice of deliberate stillness restorative yoga allows us to rest deeply, rejuvenate the body, and calm the mind.

True relaxation is a state in which there is no movement, no effort, and the brain is quiet. It is said that 10 minutes of a well-held restorative posture is equivalent to an hour of restful sleep.

Restorative yoga cultivates the "trance state", an alert but deeply peaceful place. Here, we can go beyond doing with the body and mind and hopefully experience inner peace. Students are invited to approach the practice mindfully as if in meditation and touch this deeper place within.

This practice is for everyone, especially those recovering from injuries or with physical limitations. The postures are gentle and done on the floor or in a chair. Props such as blankets and pillows enable everyone to receive the benefits of the poses without strain. Eye pillows and soft, meditative music complete the relaxation experience.