my yoga experience
Before I knew about restorative yoga, I took a Kundalini yoga class as one of my exercise requirements in college.
This practice focuses on Pranayama, the ancient art of breath regulation.
Also, known as the suspension of the breath.
In fact, controlling both inhalation and exhalation within a timed cadence helps to connect the mind and body.
For more breathwork inspiration, read the blog 26 Beautiful Breath Quotes to Nurture Your Soul.
Back then I lacked that connection as I was suffering from severe panic attacks.
Meanwhile, the yoga trend coupled with my mental health pains continued to grow.
For instance, Sex and the City even dedicated a steamy storyline to Yoga.
So with this in mind I upped the ante and tried a more active style of yoga practice, known as Vinyasa.
My college friends were practicing this ‘active’ style. As a sucker for positive peer pressure I followed.
Unlike Kundalini, this practice focuses on the Asanas, or physical yoga poses.
Despite my mind liking the idea, my body didn’t. Because my breath struggled to align with the poses after all.
My heart raced like a cheetah chasing its prey; my nerves a jumbled mess.
Of course I thought, What was wrong with me?
Why couldn’t I be like the other Vinyasa yoga girlies who could do the fast poses?!
restorative yoga after cancer
Here I am 3 years into my post-treatment era of my cancer journey.
Trying to process my survival while at the same time the damage done to my body, mind and spirit.
I was in constant pain. Many years of stored trauma flashed in my head.
My body was in pain because of the tension in my muscles, like a rubber band stretched to its limit.
I joined a trauma group for support.
We read a book, The Body Keeps The Score and learned how yoga can be used as a tool to healing complex trauma.
Clinical research into restorative yoga has found that the practice can be a good resource for those with cancer, noting improvements to psychological well-being.
Ann pizer, RYT – verywellfit.com
Research shows that restorative yoga can decrease depression in cancer survivors, improve symptoms of anxiety, depression, and pain symptoms in cancer patients, and help patients manage the toxicity of cancer treatments.
Because of the book, Yoga was back on my mind.
My husband, who indeed resembles a football player, wanted to join the yoga fun and a fancy schmancy studio.
So, I signed us up for the new student package and bought some cute yoga mats so that I could be a supportive wife.
But, I recalled the “gentle” yoga class not being that at all and for this reason, I opted for a restorative yoga class.
One Sunday Evening…
As we walked into the class; the lights were dim, and calm music played.
We placed our mats on the ground as the teacher asked us to grab some stuff to setup such as blankets, blocks, sandbags, and bolsters.
I set up the props and got into a laying down position. The props helped to support my body as I closed my eyes and focused on the breath, letting my mind hold space.
The experience is focused on slowing down and staying in a pose for an extended period, typically five to ten minutes or more, while using props to support the body and ease into a pose without any physical effort.
I took a deep breath in and out and didn’t move causing my body to hold stillness. It kind of felt like being under a weighted blanket.
After an hour, I was in a state of deep relaxation.
My mind was as calm as a summer sea. My humming nerves were no longer buzzing like a bee.
In essence, I felt a bit of relief for the first time in a long time.
I was re-introduced to the wonderful world of mind-body yoga.
Restorative yoga: 8 Ways To UnloCK The Benefits
Restorative yoga is often recommended for individuals who are recovering from an injury or illness, experiencing high levels of stress, or simply looking for a way to unwind and recharge. Here are some of the benefits of restorative yoga:
Yoga allows you to find an inner peace that is not ruffled and riled with the endless stresses and struggles of life.
B.K.S. Lyengar, Founder of restorative yoga
1. Stress Relief
Restorative yoga boosts deep relaxation, which can help relieve stress and calm the nervous system. Also, studies have shown that it is more effective than regular stretching. Therefore, by practicing, you can learn to manage stress and enjoy a more peaceful life.
2. Balancing the Autonomic Nervous System
Life is all about balance and restorative yoga can help support the nervous system. In today’s fast paced society, the Sympathetic Nervous System or fight or flight response can be overactive and can eventually lead to disease.
While the Parasympathetic Nervous System, known as the rest and digest system, helps us recover from daily stresses. Restorative yoga helps to reduce stress stimulation and increase rest to promote a sense of calm.
3. Improved Sleep
The benefits of restorative Yoga are more than just anecdotal. Scientific research has shown that regular practice can enhance sleep quality by reducing tension and promoting a sense of tranquility. It can increase melatonin (the sleep chemical) and reduce hyperarousal. By practicing restorative Yoga, you can enjoy a better night’s sleep and feel refreshed in the morning, backed by scientific evidence.
4. Enhanced Flexibility
Restorative yoga poses can include gentle stretches, twists, forward folds, and backbends. Gentle stretches in restorative poses contribute to increased flexibility and joint mobility over time. You can become more flexible and agile by practicing restorative Yoga, improving overall physical performance.
5. Mind-Body Connection
Restorative Yoga nurtures a deeper connection between the mind and body through conscious breathwork and mindfulness. By practicing restorative Yoga, you can better understand your yourself.
6. Emotional Well-Being
It lowers stress in the body and encourages emotional release and mindfulness. This can help to manage emotions more effectively and improve overall mood.
7. Lower Blood Pressure
Regular practice may help lower blood pressure and support cardiovascular health. Restorative Yoga can also reduce the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.
8. Gentle on the body
Restorative yoga is a low-impact activity that is gentle on the body, making it an excellent option for people of all ages and physical abilities. It is also a great way to balance out a more a busy routine by giving your body the rest and recovery it needs.
You can find a class at a local studio or practice at home. I enjoy Gaia online videos, where you can get 1 week free (not sponsered). Youtube is also a great source to find beginner videos. I like this video.
What yoga practice do you enjoy? Do you prefer a more active practice or passive one? Share in the comments.
