|
Getting the Full Benefits from Restorative Yoga |
Restorative yoga is a profoundly healing practice. Studies show that it decreases stress hormones such as cortisol (elevated levels of which are associated with a host of illnesses), increases flexibility (from profound muscle relaxation), improves sleep, balances the nervous system, prevents stress related changes to weight, and provides recovery time from our busy lives, among a host of other benefits. This is good news.
Widespread misunderstanding about the practice of Restorative yoga has led to many classes labeled as Restorative to be actually filled with other content. Here's what to look for when selecting a Restorative class:
1. Are you being called to genuinely be still and comfortable for a long period of time or do you feel like you are stretching or uncomfortable?
Your nervous system needs at least 20 minutes to begin to balance out, so you will need to be relatively still and at ease for at least this length of time. This requires props and knowledge from your instructor
2. Are your senses being interrupted for the duration of the class?
If you are listening to music, being spoken to, touched, or given strong scents, you will not be able to turn inwards and deeper relaxation cannot take place. All of these entry point techniques for relaxation are best served as an appetizer or dessert or not at all, not as the main course of your class.
3. Do you feel safe to communicate?
Finding a place where we can be deeply at ease is often a journey that requires respectful and open communication between teacher and student. Do you feel safe saying to your teacher, "I am not comfortable", and to begin this process of communication?
4. Are you in an environment where you feel comfortable regardless of your body type, race, gender, class and sexuality?
We cannot rest if we are not in a safe environment that is compassionate and enables us to give compassion to ourselves. Compassion is another key aspect of healing and relaxation.
5. Does your teacher have training with someone who themselves has extensive training? Do they pursue ongoing studies?
Restorative yoga is an art that introduces us to profound levels of rest that we may not even have known were possible. Teachers need to have a strong education to help us, and the professionalism to explain when they cannot, as well as a strong personal experience of the benefits of Restorative yoga themselves. It takes courage to cultivate deep stillness in our world. We must be empowered to move in this direction by people who have been supported in this journey themselves.
It would be challenging to find a more simple and beneficial practice for health. Wishing you the deepest benefits!
Andrea Peloso
