Restorative and Yin Yoga: The Power of Slowing Down; by Dianne Cecchett
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” There is real wisdom in stillness. It lets us look at ourselves through fresh eyes. It helps us to remember who we are. The inner stillness of the quieter practices of Restorative and Yin Yoga give you time to really examine how you are doing. It’s not a weakness to slow down our lives. It’s actually a strength because in the West we have taken away many of the natural pauses in our daily lives. We pay a high price for it. There are many new diseases that are known and confirmed to be stress related. Many of us have forgotten how to unwind. Or worse yet, were never taught how. We are now more human “doings” than human “beings”. The most important thing we need to learn or relearn is the pause. All the organ systems of the body benefit from deep relaxation. A reduction in blood pressure, serum triglycerides and blood sugar levels occur. The practice releases tension on a physical, mental, and emotional level. We begin to develop and refine awareness. With this newfound awareness, we can begin to more carefully choose how we live our lives. We begin to find delight in pausing. We begin to understand that relaxation is an art. An art that promotes inner peace, soothes the nervous system, improves our memory and increases mental clarity. So what can you expect from a Restorative Yin class? Restorative poses are not active poses but shapes the body is held in by the use of blocks, blankets and bolsters from anywhere to 5 to 20 minutes. There is almost a floating sensation as these shapes emulate some of the more active poses found in flow classes. Yin poses target the deeper connective tissues of the body such as the joints, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. These poses are also held for about 3 to 5 minutes but there may be some sensation accompanying them. Variations and modifications are offered for both Restorative and Yin to meet every student’s needs. Because of the slower nature of the practice, it takes on a very meditative quality. Pranayama or breath awareness practices are also included. The class concludes with Savasana which seals it all in. The pose that helps us learn to let go or die to things holding you on an emotional or physical level. As a teacher I often hear people say “I’m just too stiff to do yoga.” You, my friend, are the ones who need it the most.
1 Comment
|
Author Dianne Cecchett Dianne began studying classical ballet when she was 15 years old and was fortunate to take classes with Nicholas Petrov, founder of the Pittsburgh Ballet Company as well as Jean Gideon, present Artistic Director for Pittsburgh Youth Ballet. In 1984 Dianne realized that her dancing was becoming too grueling for her body, and she sought a more healing modality which led her to yoga. She completed her 200 hour teacher’s yoga certification in 2010 through Kula Shala Yoga Center, Jupiter, Florida where she was taught components of both Hatha and Yin Yoga. Dianne continues her studies with James Brown of American Yoga School. She sees all yoga as a refuge and vehicle for self-study. She graduated from California University, California, Pennsylvania with a BA in Social Work and continued her studies for an additional year at Heartland Community College, Normal, Illinois, with an emphasis on anatomy. Dianne’s classes are warm and inviting, fostering a calming and centering environment. ArchivesCategories |