Rest & Digest

Most of us are forging ahead at lightning speed: going, doing, scrolling, talking, walking, racing to do all the “To-Dos” not only with our bodies, but also our minds. However, are you giving yourself time to rest and digest? You need time to digest not only the food you eat, but also experiences, conversations, and information you receive.

Restorative practices are intended to give you time and space to rest and digest your body and your mind. Below are 3 restorative postures that can be practiced as a sequence or as a solo posture. Props: one bolster, two blocks, one strap.

1. Constructive Rest - Lie on your back, bend your knees, place the soles of your feet on the ground. Walk your feet apart from one another; if you are on a yoga mat, walk your feet as wide as the sides of your yoga mat. Place a block in between your legs (length wise) and wrap a strap around your thighs and the block. Allow your low back to broaden and expand. Optional: place a blanket under the back of your head.

3. Supported Child’s Pose - Place two blocks underneath a bolster on the lowest height (one block under the top of the bolster and one block under the bottom). Take wide leg child’s pose, resting the front of your torso on the bolster. Wrap your hands around the bolster and rest your arms under the bolster in the space between the blocks.
4. Supported Savasana - Lie in traditional savasana and place a bolster under your knees OR under your knees and calves (depending on size of bolster). Allow your knees to naturally fall open. Place a blanket under the back of your head.

Once you have set yourself up in the posture, close your eyes and stay for 5-10 minutes in each pose. A restorative practice is your chance to effort LESS and to soften into.

By Liz Skarvelis; All Rights Reserved @2018