Winter Solstice Restorative Yoga at St Bridgets

You are warmly invited to join me for a special evening of restorative yoga to mark the Winter Solstice. Although this is the darkest time of the year, it also marks the return of the light. This is a time to begin planning for the months ahead, sowing our seeds of intention. Our natural inclination at this time of year is to hibernate, but the celebrations of Christmas (whilst very enjoyable) can also lead to feelings of overwhelm and tiredness.

This restorative class will provide an opportunity for deep rest during what can be a busy time, allowing you to replenish your energy reserves for the festive season.

We will spend our time celebrating the Winter Solstice with -

• ceremony to mark the darkest days
• restorative yoga to nurture body, mind and spirit
• pranayama to calm and soothe the nervous system
• yoga nidra to ease the mind, allowing for deep rest
• a mini soundbath
• and concluding with mulled wine and mince pies

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.

Kate trained in restorative yoga with Judith Hanson Lasater, regarded as the Queen of Restorative Yoga !

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.

Everyone is welcome to attend. No previous experience necessary.