On Sundays I teach a yoga class in the morning and another late in the evening.  It can at times make for a long day. Tonight for the first time, I treated myself to a Restorative Yoga class just prior to my evening one.

Like many people, until a couple of weeks ago I didn’t know anything about Restorative Yoga.  Along with an Ashtanga workshop being offered at our studio there was also a restorative yoga training workshop.  Not wanting to miss the opportunity I signed up.  And loved it!

Tonight was a reminder of why.  We did about 5 or 6 poses within the 75 minute class.  The intention is to move our spine in all directions so classes will usually include forward bends, back bends, twists and inversions.  Restorative yoga is not about strength, endurance, stretching.  It is all about comfort, relaxation, restoring our bodies and our minds.

Although I almost fell asleep twice during the practice I did not feel tired in the end.  I felt rejuvenated and ready to teach my final class of the day. Instead of thinking we should be striving, pushing and working towards some goal, most often what we really need is time to rest.

For a brief overview of the benefits of Restorative Yoga, click here.