Although I didn’t phrase it quite like that, I did, I quit my job. Well, I burned out of it, to be fair.
So, to just “quit” a job without any prospects, or desire to find another one, is not really like me. Let alone leaving a job that I worked hard to get, keep, and excel in. My total exhaustion won out, though, and the day I gave my notice was the day I was unemployed – and incredibly relieved.
“Slow down, Brianna.” My teacher said to me succinctly, albeit lovingly. She said this a few years back in an attempt to reign in my intensity. “You’re ‘go go go’ all the time, you need to balance your life out with something slower.” Admittedly, I needed to hear it. So, with that, restorative yoga breezed into my practice in 2012, when I was in yoga teacher training. Now, it’s my primary focus of teaching. Sure, I still teach vinyasa (and I still love it), but restorative brings me peace.
Each Monday night, I watch students walk into class, brows furrowed and shoulders tensed. They plop down their props, grab a seat, and stare at me as if thinking, “help me, relax, lady!” At the end of the 60 minutes, they barely shuffle off their mats, pace slowed and breathing tempered. It’s an incredible transition in such a short time, with a small amount of effort.
The practitioner in restorative yoga or yin yoga is working their way to meditation. It is a slow transition. She focuses only on breathing and stillness to start. Eventually, he finds himself in a zone of sorts. Zero focus on the body.
I highly recommend adding a restorative class to your practice when you can. Try it once a week at first and go from there. You’ll find added flexibility and calm.
Check out this awesome info graphic from Positive Health Wellness and check out their site for even more fun recipes and healthy recommendations!
Slow Down with the 3 Most Meditative Yoga Poses