Yoga for Restoration & Recovery - a 60 minute video class

The Therapeutic Movement class above is supported by the information below - it is from the Whole Health archive.

Rest and Recovery in Practice

In this session, we focus on rest and recovery, using restorative positions where we are held in place, not doing, simply paying attention. Wherever we are, we don’t need to be striving, feeling anything in particular or looking to solve or fix anything - it is simply 'to be' and to notice this space without the need to fill it.

To support this, we use props – cushions, bolsters, or whatever is available – not too bulky, but enough to support the full length of the spine in a way that feels comfortable. The props don’t need to be fancy; folded towels or blankets work well, as long as they’re firm enough to offer real support.

Movement Before Stillness

Before coming into each restorative shape, we begin with some gentle movement. Living in this modern world of convenience and comfort, we can so often live in sedentary ways that can easily lead to stagnation, particularly in the lymphatic system and connective tissues. A little movement helps to soften where we may be holding tension for protection. It makes also brings embodied awareness and aliveness to parts of us that have lost connection and involvement; it is this awareness that allows space for rest and recovery to occur.

Recognising Patterns of Holding

We can get so used to holding tension that it can become part of our internal landscape - we can forget there’s any other way of being. Through gentle awareness and movement, we invite release. Not by forcing, but by softening, noticing, and allowing space to come back into the body.

Present-Moment Awareness

Restorative practice reminds us of our capacity to let go. It’s about recognising the potential we have, right here in the present moment, to release habitual patterns of tension and return to a more easeful state. Letting go is not to lose ourselves or to forcefully eliminate; but to soften our grip on the things we might have unconsciously (or consciously) tightened around as defining our sense of self. 

For similar practices, do take a look at Charlotte's Somatics Training Retreat at Emerson College, East Sussex, or the online Somatics for Yoga Teachers course.

You can also experience Somatic & Mindful Yoga classes with both Charlotte and fellow teacher, Leonie Taylor, at the online membership Whole Health - you can experience a month free with the code WH100 (add to the coupon box at checkout; you can cancel anytime).