Restorative Yoga

I first experienced yoga in the 1970s by watching a show on ETV. Besides learning basic poses, I heard, “You’re as young as your spine is flexible.” I was in my mid-twenties and although that phrase didn’t have much meaning then, it stuck with me.

Throughout the years I dropped in and out of yoga classes, trying the various types (including hot, which I loved!). But mostly more vigorous forms of exercise took precedence–and I never breathed.

A few years ago I was introduced to Restorative yoga and to a wonderful teacher. It is now my favorite class. Every Sunday afternoon for an hour puts a period to the previous week and gives a fresh start to the upcoming one.

In Restorative yoga, positions (asanas) are held for longer periods of time and props, such as bolsters, folded blankets, and blocks, are used to provide support without strain. The focus is deep relaxation to relieve stress and pain. It’s about slowing down and opening the body–and mind–through passive stretching. As the mind slows and breathing deepens, bodily functions are balanced and emotional healing can occur.

I found Restorative yoga at exactly the right time. No longer flexible in either spine nor knees, I came with some body pain and strangled emotions. Long-term stress, grief, life itself,takes its due. As I began to learn to breathe, almost imperceptible movement began inside me. On occasion I experienced tears sliding toward my ears. It’s hard to explain–whether it was a thought first or a release somewhere deep in a muscle. Whichever; it was a sense of energy moving.

A few weeks ago a young woman came rushing into our class. She rejected the props and stayed at the back of the room. I could almost hear her sighing of boredom. She left halfway through the hour. My younger self totally identified with her. I don’t have time for this! What a waste! This isn’t burning any calories at all! I don’t have time to breathe!

I recall what our instructor says, “The hardest thing is to quiet your mind.”

Maybe we have to be “seniors” to get this. Maybe it’s another plus, a gift we get to open because we’re not too driven. To take the time, to be still, to breathe.

I encourage you to try it!