Restorative Yoga, Yoga Nidra & mini soundbath at St Bridgets

Restorative yoga and yoga nidra is a super relaxing class, held on the third Thursday every month.

If you're feeling tired, overwhelmed, stressed, anxious or have insomnia this is the class for you.

Restorative yoga entails the use of props (pillows, bolsters, cushions and blankets) to support the body, allowing a deep sense of relaxation.

Whilst the primary focus of the class is restorative yoga, elements of hatha yoga may be included to allow for the holistic nature of yoga to shine through.

This is an invitation to deeply rest. Modern life is such that we often find ourselves functioning day-to-day with low levels of chronic stress. That constant sense of urgency that propels us through the day, or that feeling of never having any time, or the tendency to fill any time that we do have with something ‘productive’ is the product of a culture that values busy-ness over rest. If any of this resonates with you, it could be time to give your autonomic nervous system (the branch of the nervous system which deals with stress) the opportunity to down-regulate into what we call the parasympathetic or ‘rest & digest’ state.

When stress becomes habituated in the body-mind, we no longer always notice it, and physical tension and mental unease can begin to accumulate. Restorative yoga, coupled with simple breath awareness, is one of the ways that we can begin to bring these patterns of tension to light. Restorative yoga is a true balm to the overstimulated nervous system, inviting us to release patterns of tension and holding in the body through supported, longer-held postures. As we release tension and guide our awareness to the breath, we gradually uncover a depth and ease to the breath which further encourages a state of deep relaxation. All welcome.

The class will conclude with a Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation) practice of about thirty minutes, giving you the chance to restore and soothe your energy levels. If you feel depleted, relaxation will boost your energy. If you feel overwhelmed by too many things to do, relaxation will allow you to settle, reprioritise and refocus.

This restorative yoga class is ideal for anyone new to restorative yoga, or those who have prior experience. The class will be gentle and meditative, including pranayama (breathing practices), meditation, hatha yoga, before culminating with a deep relaxation - yoga nidra.