Restorative Yoga
Ah, Restorative Yoga
“Taking steps is easy, standing still is hard”
These lyrics from the “Orange is the New Black” theme song have been haunting my mind of late. Yeah, “Standing still is hard”. So much easier to flit around, busy, busy, lots to do, always something new! Stillness can provide pathways to serenity, revitalization, and insight. However, the experience of standing still can also, at times, be unsettling at best and completely unhinging at worst.
And so our clever minds find ways to fill the spaces and protect us from the agitation that often accompanies quietude, even as we know on some deeper level the immense value that lies in the quiet moments. To practice restorative yoga is to engage in a countercultural rebellion against mindlessness, stress, and unchecked activity. This practice is a gift we give ourselves. A chance to unplug and recharge so that we may reenter our world more fully present and appreciative of all of the gifts these summer days have to offer.
Restorative yoga is therapeutic regardless of the season but the benefits are especially relevant in the summer months. After forced dormancy during the long winter, we New Englanders are inclined to take advantage of every last minute of our 16+ hours of sunlit days when summer finally comes. This pursuit of activity is fantastic as long as it’s balanced with proper rest of mind and body.
By combining asana with elements of mindfulness meditation, restorative yoga works to bring equilibrium to the central nervous system, activating the parasympathetic nervous system and allowing for the body to attend to such vital functions as digestion, elimination, circulation, and reproduction that are often neglected when the sympathetic nervous system is constantly in charge. The benefits of restorative yoga include but are not limited to: increased immune system functioning, better sleep, lowered blood pressure, improved digestion, reduced subjective stress levels, and increased feelings of overall well-being. Basically all things associated with being a healthy human being! Injury, illness, and aging can also be compelling calls to practice slowness.
I clearly remember my first restorative class because I hated it. For 90 minutes my mind raced with thoughts varying on the theme of “IM SO BORED” as my body fidgeted with props trying to find a deeper stretch. I left the class resisting a strong desire to ask for my money back. We hadn’t done anything! We just lay around draped over props. I missed the point, and would continue to miss it for some time.
It took some time, but now I get it and my life is better because of it.
Recently, an x-ray revealed a compression fracture in my thoracic spine and a dexascan brought to light the osteopenia in my bones, the likely culprit of the fracture. So, my body has asked me to slow down and take it easy for a bit. And while my body still longs for inversions and arm balances, thankfully I have also developed strong roots in restorative yoga that will sustain me through this time. I can’t say that I would have chosen this obstacle but it is proving to be educational. I’m reminded of how fragile these bodies and souls of ours are. I’m reminded to be gentler, more thoughtful, and more grateful across the board. Thank you, compression fracture, and thank you restorative yoga.
All this is a long winded invitation for you to join me in the practice of restorative yoga this summer at UVY (see June and July registration information). But more than that, even if our paths never cross, I would encourage everyone to add a touch more quietness, slowness, and gentleness to your life no matter where your summer and your practices takes you.
—Miriah Wall