I often like to reflect the seasonal shifts in my yoga offerings. This time of year can be overwhelming in many ways. The sun turning away from us in the northern hemisphere, the celebration of many holidays which usually means families getting together and opportunities for potential conflict, and the hustle and bustle of events and gatherings filling up the schedule can all lead to a constant sense of overwhelm and stress. With all of this activity happening in our daily lives, there is nothing like a warm, comforting, slow yoga practice to help us slow down, recenter and connect with our bodies and minds.
What do you think of as offering comfort? I think if being warm, maybe with a hot tea, and safe. Perhaps in a little cocoon. So how can we bring comfort like this into our yoga practice? One way is by creating a calming space to practice. If you are at home, maybe turn down the lights or light a candle. Try playing a quiet, soothing, instrumental mix. Surround your yoga space with soft, supporting things that you can use during your practice to support your body, but also your emotional self.
We can even bring this level of comfort and support into the yoga practice itself by exploring the world of restorative yoga. In restorative yoga, we use props for support and spend a little more time in each pose to allow the body a chance to release. In my classes this month, I will be offering some movement at the beginning of each class to prepare the body a bit, but then each pose will be supported in some way. You can always use conventional props like blocks and bolsters, but you don't need to be limited to tradition here. Sometimes the best prop is something you have just around the house. You can even use furniture if it works for you.
So, dim the lights, grab your tea, yoga props, and your favorite big blanket and join me on the mat.