Overview: Six Basic Components

There are six basic components of a Restorative yoga class.

1. Warm Ups: Gentle, slow stretches prepare the body to let go. They also help you to connect with your breath and any areas of your body that might need extra loosening. This is the time to become aware of any injuries, strain, or stiffness so that you can practice mindfully, treating your body with compassion as it is on this day, at this time.
CLICK HERE for examples of warm ups.

2. Centering: Centering means disengaging from life’s activities and becoming more focused on what you are doing here, now. This is the time to transition from the outside world to the inner world -- from thinking and doing to sensing and being.

When you center, you become present to what you are feeling throughout your body and mind. You sense the feelings and thoughts, you name them, -- but aren’t disturbed or distracted by them.  They will come and go -- you are at ease with the way you are. These few minutes spent centering set you up for a truly restorative practice.Sometimes visualizations are offered during centering.
CLICK HERE for examples of  visualizations. 

3. Setting an Intention: This is your personal resolve, a positive word or brief statement that conveys how you are living or striving to live in a healthy and meaningful way. It is positive and personal.  You will be invited to set your intention and then repeat it to yourself three times.

CLICK HERE for more information on Setting an Intention.

4. Pranayama or Breathing Techniques: Controlling the breath helps to calm the mind, decrease anxiety, and even stabilize blood pressure. Closing your eyes or holding them in a gentle, downward gaze will help you to become more aware of your body by becoming more aware of your breath. 

CLICK HERE for examples of  pranayama/breathing techniques. 

5. Restorative Poses: These poses are held for one up to ten minutes.  The yoga teacher will announce how long the pose will be and let you know when you are halfway through the pose.  

It is important to remember ahimsa -- nonviolence -- the first ethical principle of yoga. That means you will move with care and be compassionate with yourself.  Feel free to make adjustments at any time -- modify or adapt poses as needed, including coming out of a pose and going into another one that best suits your body on this day, at this time.

There are four basic types of Restorative Poses:

• Back Bends
• Twists
• Forward Folds
• Inversions

CLICK HERE  for examples of these types of poses.

6. Savasana or Relaxation Pose: This pose helps your body to integrate all the poses performed before it. Usually it is done on your back, using props in any way that will allow your body, breath, and mind to settle into quiet awareness and ease.

In a restorative class, savasana includes: 
· Reconnecting with your intention
· Brief guided meditation, body scan, or guided relaxation practice.
· Followed by several minutes of soft music and time for you to practice quiet awareness of your body, breath, and mind.

CLICK HERE for a more infomation about Savasana