Therapeutic DVDs

Savor the deep relaxation of restorative postures by preparing for them carefully.

If yoga were a smorgasbord, restorative postures would be at the dessert table. These soothing and well-supported poses offer us the opportunity to savor the simple sweetness of life. In an ideal world, every asana would feel restorative. But those that fall into the special category of restorative poses have a particular ability to leave us nourished and well rested.
These postures are usually deeply supported by blankets, blocks, or other props and are held for several minutes at a time. Restorative practice can be intimidating to beginners—all those props! But just a few guiding tips will help you start a regular restorative practice of your own.

Start out with a few minutes of gentle stretching to warm the muscles and prepare the body for relaxation. Movement will also give your body a chance to shed its restlessness and busy-ness before settling into a place of stillness. Be sure to have a variety of props on hand. The more fully your body is supported, the deeper your sense of relaxation and surrender will be. Therefore, blocks, straps, blankets, balls, towels, chairs, walls, sandbags, eye bags, and pillows are all indispensable. So go ahead: Raid the linen closet—your body will thank you with profound sighs of relief.

Take time to get comfortable on your props and make any necessary adjustments before you settle in. In restoratives the distance between heaven and hell can be as little as half an inch. A small adjustment to a blanket or a minor shift in the body's position can transform a moment of exasperated agony into pure rapture. Be creative and use your inner wisdom to guide you toward greater comfort, making any modifications you need.

Incorporate restoratives into your yoga practice in a balanced way. Peruse several yoga books—Judith Lasater's Relax and Renew: Restful Yoga for Stressful Times is a great place to start. You might be inspired to include just one or two restorative postures in your daily practice. Or you may choose to devote one entire practice each week to restoratives.

Although they look peaceful, restoratives can be challenging, especially for beginners. Just because the body rests quietly doesn't mean the mind will slip into stillness too. Be patient, and be prepared for days when every inch of you rebels. With time and practice, you’ll be able to drop into a place of deep contentment with ease. This is what yoga is all about, after all: stilling our fidgety bodies and calming our rambling minds so that we may rest quietly in the present moment and see clearly the peace that resides within.