The practice begins in stillness with a short guided relaxation to give the body and mind permission to let go. Then slowly and gently you will be guided through various therapeutic, hatha based yoga postures, a seated meditation, and longer held Yin postures to allow for deeper focus and release. Finally, you are eased into more restorative poses and the practice ends in savasana.
Below are descriptions of the various yoga styles incorporated within the practice.
Below are descriptions of the various yoga styles incorporated within the practice.
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photo: Adelaide Shalhope
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HATHA
In a Hatha yoga practice we move through a variety of postures designed to increase flexibility, release tensions, and to create a sense of feeling grounded, open, and at ease. Through these postures we're reminded of the space within ourselves and through that space we find balance and the opportunity for spiritual growth.
YIN
Yin yoga is a meditative practice. It is a practice in which we focus on those places within us that need our kind attention. It's a practice that helps to still the mind and allows us to gently focus on what is truly important in life.
In a Yin practice we become still, softening the body, slowing down the breath, and allowing the mind to quiet. The intention is to gently move out of the 'fight or flight mode' of the nervous system and to begin relax into a deeper 'stretch' of the connective networks of the body and to let go of the chaos that so often fills our minds. We settle into various seated and reclined postures for several minutes while mindfully focusing on the subtle rhythm of the breath and the sensations of the body. As the breath slows down, the heart rate slows down, thoughts begin to slow down, more blood and energy move through the body and we experience a more spacious and calm sense of being.
In a Yin practice we become still, softening the body, slowing down the breath, and allowing the mind to quiet. The intention is to gently move out of the 'fight or flight mode' of the nervous system and to begin relax into a deeper 'stretch' of the connective networks of the body and to let go of the chaos that so often fills our minds. We settle into various seated and reclined postures for several minutes while mindfully focusing on the subtle rhythm of the breath and the sensations of the body. As the breath slows down, the heart rate slows down, thoughts begin to slow down, more blood and energy move through the body and we experience a more spacious and calm sense of being.
RESTORATIVE
In a restorative yoga practice we also become still. We soften the body, slow down the breath and quiet the mind. The intention is also to move out of the 'fight or flight mode' of the nervous system, and to relax, and let go. Unlike a yin practice, however, which focuses on a deep stretch of the inner connective tissues, in a Restorative practice we rest the body deeply and completely, often with the use of full body props.
MEDITATION
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I consider, and lead this practice as a meditation, whether while seated, lying in savasana, or in gentle movement.
Esther Tuelle has a lovely and accessible description of meditation here.
Esther Tuelle has a lovely and accessible description of meditation here.