Relax and Renew with Restorative Poses 
True relaxation is often more elusive than we expect. Even sleep doesn't provide it, as dreams keep our minds and muscles in motion. Restorative poses, however, are the perfect antidote to stress and fatigue. These gentle asanas, in which we are deeply supported with props like blocks and blankets, have a particular ability to nurture and soothe. They renew our energy and bring conscious, deep relaxation.
Yoga teaches us that our bodies are suffused with Prana (masculine energy) and Apana (feminine energy). Restorative poses help balance these forces, insuring that we are neither over stimulated nor drained. These asanas are also a wonderful way to elicit the relaxation response, a mind/body state of calm that research shows is unique tool in reducing stress and improving a range of health conditions. In a restorative sequence, subtle inversions reverse the effects of gravity, gentle bends stimulate and soothe our organs, and our spines move in all directions. While it sounds energetic, props do much of the work of muscles to maintain postures and proper alignment. This enables us to feel supported and thus able to let go. Restorative poses are truly a lesson in being, not doing.
This month at Flow, our focus of the month is Restorative Poses. Throughout March we will offer many opportunities to pause and feel the peace within. Teachers will incorporate restorative poses at the end of each class. For a more concentrated experience, Christine will be teaching Harmony Flow, a restorative class that will soothe your soul. Additional suggestions and books are available in the studio. As winter fades and spring approaches, join us at Flow this month for renewal and restoration.
Relaxation at work with the soothing Three-Part Breath – Dirga Pranayama
You can practice Dirga Pranayama at your desk, reclining, sitting -- just about anywhere!
1. Begin by observing your breath for about 1 minute. Notice the patterns and shapes it takes in your body. Then begin to inhale slowly and deeply through the nose.
2. On each inhale, gently fill the belly up with your breath, expanding it with air like a balloon.
3. On each exhale, release all the air out from the belly through your nose. Draw the navel back towards your spine to make sure that the belly is empty of air. Repeat this deep belly breathing for about five breaths.
4. On your next inhale, again fill the belly up with your breath. When the belly is full, draw in a little more breath and let that air expand into the rib cage -- allowing the ribs to broaden and lift. On the exhale, let the air go first from the rib cage, letting the ribs slide closer together, and them from the belly, drawing the navel back towards the spine. Repeat this deep breathing into the belly and rib cage for about five breaths.
5. On your next inhale, gently, steadily and slowly, fill the belly and rib cage with your breath. Then, draw in just a little more air and let it fill the upper chest, into the collarbones -- allwoing them to expand and lift. On the exhale, let the breath go first from the upper chest, letting the heart center sink back down, then from the rib cage, letting the ribs slide closer together, and finally from the belly, drawing the navel back towards the spine.
6. Continue this 3 part breath at your own pace, establishing a smooth, even, gentle rhythm. Continue for about 10 breaths. Feel refreshed and calm.
Restore each week in Harmony Flow - Every Friday -- 6:30pm!
Sooth your soul in this restorative class. Progress in your yoga practice doesn’t always occur by “doing”. An equally important aspect of Yoga practice is the ability to let go, to not control, to experience what is without interfering. Restorative sequences are an important part of any long term yoga practice: they recharge our energy reserves and heal the effects of stress bringing conscious relaxation. In a candlelit room, with soothing music, Harmony Flow is the perfect way to unwind. Harmony Flow blends bliss producing restorative poses with gentle movement and exploration of poses practiced in Flow 1. Hands on encouragement from Christine, our amazing massage therapist will help melt away any stress. This class is sure to leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed and renewed!
Our Previous Monthly Focuses
Gods and Goddesses
Meditation
Agni (Fire)
The Yamas
Bakasana
Chaturanga
Bhandas
Saucha
Backbends
Inversions
Chanting
Meditation
Compassion
Impermanance
Chakras
Blissful Hips
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