This coming Sunday, November 6th, instead of teaching my regular Sunday Snooze restorative class at It’s All Yoga, I am lucky enough to be able to participate in the Emotional Rescue Retreat with Michelle from Love Wasting Time. {Don’t worry regular Snoozers, I’ll be back in the first Sunday of December}.
Check this out.
The purpose of the retreat is to:
• restore
• be pampered
• be in silence
• slow down, tune in, and align with your higher purpose
• reflect on the upcoming holiday season
• give yourself permission to take a day, just for you
A day of restorative postures, journaling, breath-work, discussion, meditation, an organic lunch and the support of a circle of women. Held in the sanctuary of the It’s All Yoga studio.
Sounds good, huh?
Want to join me in this day of retreating in the comfort of your own home?
What you’ll need:
45 to 90 minutes {or whatever you can do}
a quiet spot where you can be alone or with other retreaters
comfy, warm yoga clothes
yoga mat
pillows
blankets
eye pillow or dark scarf
ear plugs
blocks, bolster and straps if you have them {no biggie if you don’t}
quiet alarm
Or if you find this list to be too much, just yourself and a way to keep time.
To begin:
Turn off your phone, unplug your computer and shut off the TV.
Bring mat and all your props with you – including your quiet alarm.
Lie down in Constructive rest – flat on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor hip distance. Knees can be hip width or rest toward each other – whatever feels comfortable for your body. Hands can rest where they are comfortable.
Stay here and breathe normally 10 minutes.
When your alarm sounds, bring your knees to chest and gently rock side to side.
Find your favorite savasana (corpse) position using all the props you’d like. Some suggestions: knees over a bolster or pillow and covered up with a blanket, legs up the wall, a bolster running the length of your spine and soles of feet together with pillows/rolled blankets under the knees for support.
The idea is to make yourself as comfortable as possible so you can just relax. {For more information on restorative yoga}
Stay here and breathe normally for 30 minutes.
Yep, 30 minutes.
What if you fall asleep? You are probably tired.
What if your to-do list is suddenly in the fore front of your mind and you feel as if you must get up NOW? Let it go and know it will wait for you.
What if your mind jumps from topic to topic to topic? Just notice the breath coming in and out of your body and try to watch your mind instead of hanging on to each story.
When will the 30 minutes be over? In 30 minutes.
When your alarm sounds, gently awaken your body. Wiggle fingers and toes, slowly roll ankles and wrists, stretch arms over head and catch a deeper breath and maybe a yawn.
Wake yourself as if you’re sleeping in a really nice hotel and you have absolutely nothing to do.
Roll to the side – and rest – before you use your arms to push yourself to a comfortable seat on the floor.
Write about your experience while drinking a warm cup of your favorite tea and enjoying a healthy lunch.
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Have you ever taken a day for restoration? How did it go? Please share your tips, fears and thoughts.
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