Who is restorative yoga for?

Anyone can practice restorative yoga should they choose, including young children or the elderly. Restorative yoga is a transformative module that focuses on deep relaxation for physiological healing, stress management, complementary medical support, resting, processing emotions, practicin(s)g mindfulness and deep spiritual and energetic work.

Restorative yoga is especially helpful for people who

• are having trouble unwinding or decompressing

• seek constructive resting

• are seeking a way to response to stress in mind, body and energy

• want to regulate their nervous systems

• are ready to slow down and become more grounded

• need better bedtime rituals and sleep

• are proactively caring for their wholistic health and wellbeing

• deepening their spiritual and healing journey

What is happening when I practice restorative yoga?

Restorative yoga facilitates the nervous system to function parasympathetically: digesting, exchanging nutrients and waste, repairing cells, lowering the heart rate and the experience of being calm. The cultivation of awareness and mindfulness during practice also creates opportunities for processing mental and emotional energy, encouraging the flow of a person’s Qi (chi, bio-energy, prana, life force).

Where does one practice restorative yoga?

Restorative yoga is accessible lying down, reclining and/or seated; people are typically on or close to the floor. Safely, some people may practice restorative yoga on their couch, at their work desk or in bed.

What if I fall asleep during one of the poses?

It is normal and natural to drift into alternate states of consciousness, including sleep. People who have trouble resting or are not adequately well rested will often find themselves finally relaxed enough to fall asleep. This is not a failure, bad or wrong. Teachers will continue to instruct the remainder of the class while leaving the power of choice to the student to continue to find resting throughout. Flory is adamant about your body informing your practice, every time.

What does practicing restorative yoga feel like?

Restorative yoga feels different for different people at different times. Generally, most people enter deeper states of consciousness (such as yogic sleep or a meditative half-asleep-half-awake dream state) while their physical body welcomes relaxation and softening. For those more attuned to their subtle bodies, you may also notice timeline collapses and/or engage in astral travel.

Is restorative yoga the same as gentle hatha or yin?

No, restorative yoga is an entirely different yoga style from gentle hatha (focusing on physical alignment) and yin (slow paced and lengthening poses held for long periods of time). With the generous use of props, restorative yoga brings the floor up to hold the body, as opposed to the body unsupported on the floor, where discomfort and even pain can result from our skeletal structures in contact with the ground. We focus on your maximum comfort and ease, with the least amount of effort.

Am I doing something wrong during restorative yoga? Sometimes it feels intense even though I’m focusing on rest and relaxation.

It is normal and natural to become aware of or find yourself processing intense sensations or emotions during a restorative practice. As the body releases, so are the energies and emotions that were stored within its cells. If you need to move out of your asana, try to do so gently and safely or seek assistance from your instructor by raising your hand. Restorative yoga teachers are educated and trained to support you in these settings.