2/12/2021 2 Comments 3 Restorative Yoga Poses for CalmRestorative Yoga to Embrace Calm in the ChaosWinter: Whether you’re a big lover of this season or not so much, there’s no denying that whilst the this time of year can bring much merriment and mudita (Sanskrit = joy / pleasure) - It can also be pretty challenging... With the festive celebrations just gone - a time where we tend to focus our love & attention to our nearest & dearest - naturally, the focus on ourselves may have slipped a little (down that icy wintery slope)❄️ ‘Restorative Yoga’ What is it? Can it help?“Restorative Yoga” - a style of yoga which has its roots in the yoga of B.K.S. Iyengar, and “Yin Yoga” - founded by martial arts expert Paulie Zink Taoist (Tao Yin) - typically focus on holding asanas for long duration (anything from 2-10 minutes) and often you’ll find an array of props like blocks, straps, and bolsters in your typical restorative or yin yoga class to ‘aid and support’ you in the postures. To Prop or not to Prop? In my opinion having the support of props in your yoga practice can be really helpful at times - especially to help aid injury recovery. In Sanatan Yoga (the style of classical yoga I’m trained in) which is derived from the Gitananda Yoga lineage - props aren’t typically used, with the view that although they can be useful on occasion, a reliance and dependence on them might not always be so healthy. Feeling frantic? Need a break? Whilst a long restorative yoga class can bring about feelings of calm, peace and serenity (I highly recommend trying a restorative or yin class if you’ve not experienced by the way!) - That’s not to say you can’t experience these beautiful calming, healing properties outside of a full restorative yoga class... ... You can simply practice a few restorative yoga poses for relaxation at home ...Resting Yoga Poses to the Rescue!If you don’t have the time, or all the props, then I have just the thing for you to help you de-stress, feel calm and grounded at home during the winter months. All you need is you, your body, the breath (and optional yoga mat for comfort) to get started... 3 Restorative Yoga Poses to find Calm and Clarity (no props required):1. Hastapada Asana | Hand to Foot PoseWhat it means: Hasta = Hand Pada = Foot Asana = Pose AKA: Pada Hastasana, Uttanasana, Standing Forward Fold How to: Stand up straight and stretch both hands up over head with an in breath. With the out breath bend forward slowly, keeping legs and back straight as comfortably as possible, bringing your head toward the knees. Place fingers or palms on the floor touching or near the feet. Bonus stress-reliever: Gently sway side to side with arms and upper body relaxed to release tension from lower back, spine and shoulders. Breathe a few deep breaths. Return slowly back up with the in breath. Benefits: When you’re upside down, you get a whole new perspective on life. Why is this relaxing? Science says: “when you get your head below your heart, it makes your body think it is getting high blood pressure, so the body goes to work to lower your blood pressure, which makes your body calm.”
2. Shashankasana | Rabbit PoseWhat it means: Shash = Rabbit Ank = Lap Asana = Pose AKA: Hare Pose, Balasana/Child's Pose, Embryo Pose How to: Sit up in Vajrasana (knees bent, sitting on feet). Lift both hands over head with in breath, as you exhale place both hands on the floor with arms extended on the ground over your head and the forehead resting on the floor. Relax the arms and hands (whilst keeping them over head like the ears of a rabbit) breathing deeply, grounding down through the forehead into the earth. Bonus variation: Tuck head into the knees, bring arms by your side, hands to feet into ‘Dharmika Asana’ Devotional Pose. Benefits: “This is a healing, restorative pose that gently stretches the spine and is a nice counterpose for backbends. It’s psychologically soothing when you’re feeling cold, anxious, or vulnerable, as it inclines the head so the heart can rest instead of trying to force blood upward to the brain.” - Nicole Windle
“Rabbits are well known for their attentiveness and speed. A rabbit can be attentive even while it’s sleeping and with minimal stimulus will charge up and run to escape danger. Shashankasana can help relax and be attentive.” - Yogacharyia Jnanndev - ‘Classical Hatha Yoga, 84 classical asanas and their variations’ 3. Shavasana | Corpse PoseWhat it means: Shava = Corpse Asana = Pose AKA: Savasana, Mrtasana How to: Lie flat on your back, with a gap between the heels so the feet can fall gently outwards to either side. The palms should remain open, upwards and close to the body. The head and the torso straight and the eyes gently closed. The body position in this asana resembles death (‘shava’ meaning corpse) with every part of the body becoming still. Bonus for deep yogic relaxation, tension and stress-relief: Incorporate a soft, flowing rhythmic breathing pattern ‘pranayama’, visualization and guided meditation to deepen your state of rest and relaxation. Try my free 15 minute sun-moon visualisation practice here to help you drift off into beautiful blissful Yoga Nidra. Benefits: Although a seemingly ‘simple posture’, Shavasana is a very important one for:
Wishing you a beautiful year ahead full of joy, relaxation, and rest ✨
Hazel x
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Blog posts written by me: Hazel Parsons | Hazel Lily YogaMore blog posts coming soon :) ... Archives
November 2023
CategoriesRelaxing Yoga Classes in Barry - Best Yoga & Wellbeing Business Vale of Glamorgan
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