Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga and breath work relieves stress, soothes the nervous system and strengthens the respiratory system. In restorative yoga we strive to create a quiet and peaceful environment where you can feel comfortable and relaxed. We support the body with props so it can release and let go. Usually we include a lot of supine/reclined poses that brings the spine into both flexion and extension so that the body can enjoy a range of physical benefits while being able to relax supported by a range of different props.
These benefits, such as opening of our chest and moving the spine in different directions prepares us for the work of pranayama. The quiet and supported poses allow our senses to relax and gives us a greater awareness and focus on our “inner Self”. This allows us to draw our attention away from the external world, even if just for a short moment. Standing or seated postures with the head supported brings a quietness and calmness to the brain and the nervous system. A restorative and pranayama practice relieves stress, restores your energy and gives you a boost if you feel fatigued. It rejuvenates your mind and nervous system.
Yoga and the Mind
The mind, which is so easily distracted with life, will with a dedicated practice slowly learn to become more observant of the internal, wander inwards rather than outwards. The mind will start to settle and become quiet. And that is essentially what the yogic journey is all about.
The 2nd sutra by Patanjali explains it as;
“Yoga is stilling the distractions or fluctuations of the mind”
Hence the asana practice is the first step in a bigger holistic system where we prepare ourselves for the next steps, pranayama and meditation. In these next two yogic stages we need the ability to focus inwards with steady and quiet perseverance even more so. And the asana practice, not least the restorative quiet practice has prepared our mind for this difficult task. We also often think of yoga as just the physical asana practice, but yoga encompasses so much more than that.
Click here to read more about BKS Iyengar and Iyengar yoga: https://iynaus.org/iyengar-yoga/about
Pranayama – Regulation of Breath
We usually introduce pranayama (breath control) to students who have some experience with an asana practice. We initially introduce the student to breath awareness which teaches awareness and focus of the breath. Learning to focus the mind inwards is a process that takes time and isn’t always easy. But the inward focus was already introduced and encouraged in the students’ asana practice.
As the student become more inward focused and the lungs and chest cavity become more flexible then various forms of Pranayama can be introduced. If interested, read this article from Yoga Journal on breath work and Pranayama in Iyengar yoga. Or watch this YouTube video with BKS Iyengar himself talking about Pranayama.
The rythmic breathing patterns in pranayama strengthen the respiratory system and soothe the nervous system.
Prana is potent in all beings and a prime mover of all activity – all that vibrates is prana – heat, light, gravity, vigour, power, vitality, electricity, life, breath, Spirit.