Zealous about restorative yoga

I’ve taught a couple restorative yoga classes over the last week, which have reminded me how much I enjoy the practice — and how much I wish there were more restorative classes near me. I’d love to take a class with myself!

Sadly, the restorative classes I’ve taken in Copenhagen have been more yin-like (seeking a ‘Goldilocks’ sensation, holding poses for ~2-5 minutes). Not nearly restful enough for me to consider them true restorative yoga.

My restorative classes are all about comfort and ease. No strong stretches or intense sensations. Taking the necessary time to build a glorious foundation of props, remove any hard edges and smooth away every wrinkle. So when you settle into the posture —feeling so well-propped, so held, so safe— there’s nothing to do but give in and relax.

One of the students in the restorative yoga class I taught on Sunday had been dragged there by her sister. She had tried yoga a handful of times before and was unconvinced. It was incredible to watch this reluctant student shift as I guided the class. Her face softened. Her eyes stopped blinking open at every sound. Her limbs grew visibly heavier. She was immersed in irresistible rest.

Restorative yoga teacher training

In hopes of spreading the wonder of restorative yoga, I’m delivering a 30-hour teacher training this fall. Planning out the structure and content for the training has made me even more zealous about restorative yoga — and more certain how necessary it is.

I’ve been making notes about why I believe practicing (and teaching!) this restful, nourishing style is important. Here’s what I’ve come up with thus far:

Why do restorative yoga

Are you exhausted?
It’s hard not to be

Y’know what helps?
Rest
Which is different than sleep
Or watching a screen

Restorative yoga
gives you rest

The practice lets you just be
and feel supported
and held
and at ease

And these poses
aren’t just
an opportunity for rest

The long-held shapes allow
detachment
disconnection
detanglement
the possibility to reset

A chance to escape doomscrolling
and worrying
and being “on”

There’s no productivity
No responsibilities beyond
your own comfort

Restorative yoga
replenishes
through deep rest

Practice with me in Denmark

Once a month, I teach a 90-minute restorative yoga class at 108 Yoga in Gentofte. I also sometimes slip in a restorative pose or two during my warm yin classes in Østerbro (Thursdays at 18:45 and a community class the last Friday of the month).