Restorative yoga is a gentle, nourishing yoga that assists the innate healing intelligence of the body-mind. Such yoga helps to re-instate natural well-being by simultaneously optimising the flow of energy into, and within the body.
More about restorative yoga
Restorative yoga poses are standard poses specifically adopted to emphasise their rejuvenating or remedial properties. Synergy or harmony between all the body parts and functions are encouraged. There is a combination of awakening and resting practices, for instance dynamic movement s with breathing, or faster movement and great practices, and slow restful periods where the awakened energy is felt and absorbed.
Poses or asana may be performed standalone, or as part of a restorative sequence. A sequence would consist of at least a warm up pose, pose and counter pose, meditation, breathing practice and relaxation. Static poses are often supported by use of props, chairs or walls.
The resting Legs-up-the-wall position is thought to be good for most everything that ails many:
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Digestive problems
- Headache
- High and low blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Migraine
- Mild depression
- Respiratory ailments
- Urinary disorders
- Varicose veins
- Menstrual cramps
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Menopause
Restorative Yoga Classes or Sequences
In a restorative yoga class of an hour or longer poses are changed at a slow pace, some are held longer, some briefly. The focus is on (accesible to most) do-ablility. There are plenty resting periods. Such yoga is ideal for beginners and less athletically inclined persons. Gentle, healing or remedial yoga also assists recovery from operations, injuries, and ideal for persons with chronic disabilities (mental or physical).
Meditation, mindful awareness, visualisation, mental focus and breathing techniques are integral to the conscious practice of yoga.
Those with an inclination towards the spiritual-metaphyscial aspects of yoga may resonate with the sacred, nourishing, Healing Yoga & Meditation Music of The Infinite Way.
● Free 65 Minute Class Video (above session in one video, with The Infinite Way as soundtrack). Link to follow soon – Johann, May 2015.
● Include mindful relaxation. Add restful, quiet periods in your practice and/or conclude any restorative practice with at least a few minutes of relaxation.
Use the 30 minute audio instruction as standalone relaxation. Learn how to relax and breath mindfully with the Five Keys to Well-being program, Track 5, Deep Relaxation.
More about The Infinite Way Yoga & Meditation Music
The Infinite Way suggests a path without limits. One may rediscover one’s divine essence by seeing through the limitations of the illusionary, materialistic world. At the same time, paradoxically, in a dualistic world view, the material world is real. You are “spirit in body”. It is neither possible nor wise to attempt to escape this world. Learn to be in the world, not of the world. meditation and healing body work may be thought of as a way to connect with the infinite via the finite. Such a journey is never-ending, and more than likely a balance of challenge and joy. Embracing the whole results in great inner peace.
Read more about Sacred Names on my blog Yoga & The Infinite Way on my Johann Kotze Music & Yoga page.
Johann,
Cape Town,
South Africa,
20 May 2015