All yoga classes end in a pose that is designed to take you into a state of deep relaxation. The pose is called savasana and, in my class, I also weave in elements of Yoga Nidra. During this deep relaxation, the body enters a hypometabolic state. Here it restores and regenerates tissue and this is what happens every night when you sleep. However you can also experience this kind of ‘reset’ from even a short restorative session.
In class I offer several poses for entering this state: savasana, legs up the wall, constructive rest and legs on a chair. Choose one of these poses and move into it slowly and mindfully. Close the eyes and tune into the movement of your breath. If the mind is very chattery you can use one of the concentration practices we’ve worked with like breath counting. If you fall asleep, that’s okay, but ideally you will just move into a calm, meditative state. Ten to fifteen minutes is a good amount of time for this. Come out of the pose slowly, taking the time to gently come back into the present moment. What is the feeling-tone in the body? Do you feel refreshed?
We live in a world that prizes the go-go-go behavior, that goal-oriented striving that gets so many things done, but may leave us feeling anxious and depleted. Perhaps we’re evenaddicted to busyness. This incessant striving triggers the stress response. The next time you feel stressed, note how that feels in the body. This stress, especially chronic stress, suppresses the immune system. Yikes!
Know that you have the tools to counteract this stress. You have the power to change your inner chemistry with these yogic practices. Use them to help you move toward more vibrant health.
Michelle Stortz 