Restorative Yoga

Caffeine fuelled over-drive, caught in doing, doing, no end to the list, no end to desires pumped by multi-media stimuli morning till night.

For me, Restorative Yoga, which can be just sitting and observing normal breathing, is a helpful way to manage the emotional roller coaster of our lives.

Restorative Yoga is an aspect of Iyengar Yoga that focuses on the therapeutic benefits of yoga postures, Asanas.

Equipment, like bolsters, blankets, and belts are often used to enable the person to go more deeply into the posture as a mind body experience. Postures are held for a longer period of time, normally 5- 10 minutes.

This staying in a posture enables the ‘doing’ part of the mind to settle and the ‘being’ part of the mind to surface. This receptive ‘being’ mode of observation and awareness is profoundly healing. It can help to boost the immune system, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety and stress.
In a wide range of Asanas, parts of the body are elevated, compressed, extended and relaxed which cleanse the organs, strenghtening the digestive, hormonal and nervous system. Through the precise and skilled practice of Asana the mind quietens and the body heals itself.
Sarra  creates a supportive space for people to find peace and rest from the frantic activities of their daily lives. Each person is encouraged to practice with acceptance and compassion towards themselves and each other

I run monthly workshops at Yoga Mama's studio in Brighton. www,yogabody.org.uk

Why I love Iyengar Yoga?

I drove for an hour and a half in the dark along windy country lanes to get to a yoga class last night.

Why?

There are classes taught much closer by. Part of me wonders whether I just tend to value things that are hard to get, that require some kind of mission. Whilst there is a hint of truth in this all became clear

I staggered across the carpark with bolster and mat in hand, belt trailing on the floor behind me, clutching my handbag, keys, torch and half opened water bottle. It had been a long day. I am sure you know the feeling- in bits yet someone together.

With warmth the Yoga teacher welcomed me and as I snuck into the door late I sat, the opening chant began.

My heart swells and the edges of my mouth curl as I recollect that simple moment of unity. Unassuming and with sincerity the class began.

The flow of classical asanas were sequenced to give the extension and actions that then fed into the next asana.

Alignment has grace. In each classic pose the uniqueness of the individual is expressed. The stiffness, flexibilty, strength and awareness, of the body shape the asana. Like perhaps water flowing is shaped into a river by rocks and mounds. There is a direction to the river. Alignment of the body helps bring direction in the asana. The energy and awareness can then flow.

Ashtanga Yoga

Iyengar Yoga integrates the eight aspects of Ashtanga Yoga in the practice of Yoga Postures, Asana.
1 Right living- Yama
2 Right action- Niyama
3 Yoga postures – Asana
4 Breathing practices- Pranayama
5 Drawing our attention inwards –Pratyahara
6 Focusing the mind- Concentration- Dharana
7 Developing Mindful Awareness- Meditation- Dhyana
8 Wakeful Presence- Samadhi

Hari Om Jai Ganesha
Give your blessings as I embark on the world of Blogging.
May all beings be well, may all beings be happy and may all beings live in peace
Om Shanti