It is starting to feel as though Winter were ending.  On the weekend was the festival of Imbolc, or Candlemas as it’s known in the Christian tradition, when we mark the beginning of new growth like crocuses and the buds starting on the tree, and in our case especially it’s the sight of Tommy our tortoise poking his head out of his winter home to test the air and warm his stone cold shell. 

Although you can see the light at the end of the tunnel now, Winter is still not over. I’m getting up early to do my yoga practise in the living room when its still really cold and dark, and all I want to do is warm up the room so I can relax more into my body and not feel I’m forcing it.  This is the time of year still when your body has slowed down and is hibernating, and nurturing, relaxing yoga is perfect for it.

In the Thursday Patcham class last week I introduced the students to some Restorative yoga using some bolsters that I’ve just bought.  Some people loved it and some were distinctly unimpressed.  To truly get the benefits of this kind of yoga you need the perfect props so that your body is entirely supported, and it takes a bit of practise. Once you get it right though, you’ll see that it is so worth it as your body totally sinks into the pillows, bolster, blankets etc that are holding you and you can completely let go.  Once the body can release like this, the mind can start to do the same.  Here’s what restorative pro Claudia Cummins says about it, (you can click on it and read the rest too, its quite short):

Take the time to get comfortable on your props and make any necessary adjustments before you settle in. In restoratives the distance between heaven and hell can be as little as half an inch. A small adjustment to a blanket or a minor shift in the body’s position can transform a moment of exasperated agony into pure rapture. Be creative and use your inner wisdom to guide you toward greater comfort, making any modifications you need.

Once Spring arrives we’ll have a different energy, and we’ll want to sing and dance again!  It will feel appropriate then to get fitter and lose weight.  Until then listen to your body.  Does it still need relaxation more than anything else? 

If you’ve practised restorative yoga or you were at the class last week do tell what you thought of it.  Or maybe you’re practising Sun Salutes daily and are feeling exhilirated and energised?  Please let us know.