Restore, Renew, Revive: Restorative Yoga

Focus is on breath, relaxation and meditation.

Restorative yoga poses target your nervous system, promoting a relaxation response.  The practice helps quiet your mind, connecting your body with an innate peacefulness, and is beneficial for all levels. Props including blankets, bolsters, straps, blocks and others safely support the body in various postures. This support allows the body to let go, release and relax. Held for long periods of 3-10 minutes the poses are very gentle and relaxing.

This concept, using props, began with B.K.S. Iyengar, of Pune, India. Recognized worldwide as an authority, and one of the most creative and prolific teachers of yoga today. He has been teaching yoga for 60+ years and has authored, “Light on Yoga” and many other books.

Mr. Iyengar began experimenting with props when his students showed pain from specific poses; he modified poses and students were able to practice without strain. He continued experimenting and began helping people with illness or other injuries do modified poses to recover with great success. Restorative poses and modifications with props continue to be powerful tools to reduce stress and aid in restoring the body and health.

While in a deep levels of relaxation, the muscles are able to gently lengthen.  Restorative posses allow the lymph fluids in the body to release and settle around the organs, glands, and tissues. The result is the organs, glands and tissues are surrounded and basked in fresh oxygen, promoting healing, rejuvenation, efficient function and better health.

Restorative yoga is beneficial for chronic stress, illness and injury during life changing events to foster a better quality of life. Restorative yoga can aid in the body’s self healing and recovery. Come and experience the deliciousnesss of a Restorative pose for yourself.  Treat yourself to some deep relaxation and stress relief, while your body and mind mend. Enjoy the inner peacefulness that results with continued practice.  Your body memory with cultivated attention (muscles, bones, mind and spirit), will gradually engage the inner peacefulness on and off the mat.

-Myra Harrell Fleming, Yoga Instructor ( M/W evenings)

How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then rest afterwords. ~