Restore What Exactly?

Here at Blue Arrow, we’ve been known to describe certain class options as being “restorative,” and certainly the practice of Yoga can be relaxing and rejuvenating. But restorative? What does that mean exactly?

Well first of all, not all yoga classes are the same. At Blue Arrow, we offer three main types of Yoga: Vinyasa Flow, Yin Flow and Restorative Yoga. Our Vinyasa Flow classes offer a moving practice that will increase heart rate and build strength and endurance. Yin Flow includes gentle movement and lots of stretching and relaxation.

In this blog I’d like to give some more insight into our Restorative Yoga class, which is currently offered on Sundays at 5:30pm.

What is Restorative Yoga?

In a restorative yoga practice, the focus is not on stretching or strengthening but on releasing. We release tension in the muscles and gently stimulate the organs through long-held poses designed to support and comfort. To achieve comfort a variety of props such as blocks, and bolsters may be used.

You won’t be moving much in this class; quite the opposite. This session gives students the opportunity to find stillness. Within the realms of this stillness exists the potential to create space and restore in ourselves whatever it is that we’ve been denying ourselves.

This restoration is quite personal for everyone. For one student, what is restored might be peacefulness, or a sense of freedom. For another, it might be creativity. I’ve had many students report a sense of general well-being returning after practicing Restorative Yoga.

As a long time practitioner of Restorative Yoga, I noticed it allowed me to go deep in relaxation in a way that I had never experienced before. In that depth of rest I have found so much healing on a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual level.

Join us for a Restorative Yoga class soon, and find out what can be restored to you!