One Pose Restorative Practice: Stonehenge

STONEHENGE

Restorative inversions are poses in which the lower limbs are placed above the heart. In this pose, Stonehenge, you receive the circulatory and lymphatic benefits of gently elevating your legs and feet without placing any strain on your neck or head. This pose can also release lactic acid after exercise or standing for long periods of time. Stonehenge may also relieve tired legs or feet. The most valuable benefit of this pose is an opportunity to relax as you practice quiet awareness of your body, breath and mind.

INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO:  https://youtu.be/naxg0g-EqrE

I "Quit"

In a previous post, I described how I was contemplating whether or not to return to studio teaching during the pandemic. The studio reopened May 18 and at that time I told the owner I wasn't ready to return to teaching yoga classes, yet.
However, on May 23 I mailed my formal resignation letter to the yoga studio owner. By that time many businesses reopened and it was evident that the majority of people were ignoring CDC guidelines. Teaching in an enclosed space (four walls and ceiling/roof) without masks did not “feel” right to me. And, unfortunately, the number of COVID cases has skyrocketed since my decision to resign.

• On May 23, the day I mailed my resignation letter, the number of COVID-19 infections in Florida was 50,867.
• Today, July 19, the number of infections in Florida is 350,047.

Why did I "quit?" 

"Putting up a false image kills a lot of teachers." – Stephen Josephs 

“Image”: I didn’t want to keep teaching just to keep up appearances or teach simply because “everyone else” was. A false image now, especially during the pandemic, was not in line with my understanding of ahimsa - nonviolence. Now is not the time for me to teach studio yoga classes in enclosed spaces without masks. I don’t want to be a part of the COVID infection chain whether intentionally by my actions or unintentionally by participating in activities where the virus gets passed on to someone’s home, workplace, and then into a hospital. Attending a yoga class, while extremely beneficial, is not an essential activity. 

If people think I look like a “quitter,” I am okay with that. Doing what I think is ethical and healthy is essential – I couldn’t live with myself otherwise.

“Dime”: I am not a “corporate” yoga teacher. I have no website, YouTube channel or newsletter. Teaching yoga was never a business transaction for me. Money alone is not a reason to teach, and, thankfully, teaching yoga is not my main source of income. As a Restorative yoga teacher, I spent my own money purchasing and sanitizing blankets, eye pillows, blocks, and pillow cases (to cover the studio bolsters), for my students. I also paid for additional training, professional dues, and liability insurance. Needless to say, I barely broke even. Any income I made was not essential for me. 

“Time”: I am 60+ so time is very important to me. During the shut-down, I realized how much I appreciated my newfound “free time," especially on Fridays and Sundays. For years I worked evenings and weekends. I missed many family events due to work. Now that I am not teaching, my daughter can come for dinner and visit on her schedule. I love being available for my family! 

Then there are the uncompensated hours I spent creating and practicing yoga lessons -- the uncompensated hours I spent before class cleaning the studio. The pandemic helped me to focus on what is essential for my life. Teaching in a studio right now is not essential for me.

One day I may return to teaching yoga studio classes. But when I think of going back, I most often envision teaching in nursing homes or cancer treatment centers – places where people who lack resources can benefit the most from yoga. Yoga studios, on the other hand, are outlets for people who already have many resources at their disposal. Maybe my teaching will be needed elsewhere, post-pandemic.
In the meantime, I am researching the medical benefits of yoga while my home practice flourishes!

One Pose Restorative Practice: Supported Belly Down Twist

Supported Belly Down Twist is a relaxing pose that relieves stress and tension in the muscles around the spine and midsection of the torso. Twists are a good way to keep your body supple and flexible, plus, this is a gentle pose that just feels good!

This 17 minute video is an introduction to and exploration of the pose.

 Supported Belly Down Twist

Also see:

Mountain Brook Pose

Child's Pose

One Pose Restorative Practice: Mountain Brook Pose

Welcome to this exploration of Restorative yoga - one pose at a time! Restorative yoga is the practice of being comfortable in passive poses using props like pillows, bolsters, and blankets which support and stabilize your body. The goal of Restorative yoga is to release tension and relax!

This short video (14 minutes) is an introduction to and an exploration of Mountain Brook Pose. In this pose your body is gently draped over props, like water flowing down a mountain stream. Mountain Brook Pose:
· is a simple, gentle back bend
· counteracts a slumped sitting posture
· encourages you to gently open your throat, chest, and belly.
· Most importantly, it allows you to rest and relax!

https://youtu.be/etbaRgF-pXc

See also: One Pose Restorative Practice: Supported Child's Pose