If you’re a corporate woman practicing yoga, then restorative yoga may be one of the most challenging yoga forms. Why? Because we are wired to think and worry about so many things in the daily grind, while restorative yoga requires us to do the exact opposite — think of nothing.
I do restoratives almost every Thursday night after work, and I admit that it’s really a struggle for me to clear my mind, relax my muscles, and stop thinking about the events of the day. However, because I am aware of the amazing benefits of this practice, I try my best to make the most out of it. I’m no expert, but these have been helping a lot:
1) Start With Your Intentions
As you lay yourself on the mat, try to think of WHY you’re doing restorative yoga in the first place. Do you want to relax and unwind? Do you want to recharge after a long and busy day? Whatever it is, remind yourself of it. This may help you all throughout the practice.
2) Be Present
All of you must be there — your body, your mind, your spirit must be inside that room and not in the workplace or anywhere else. Listen to the guiding words of the instructor and concentrate on the light music in the background. Challenge yourself to be there and not think of anything else.
3) Just Breathe
One way to think of nothing is to just focus on your breath. Yoga, after all, is all about breathing, and we should never underestimate what “just breathing” can do.
Try these the next time you attend a restorative yoga class! May it give you a relaxed body, a calm mind, and a happy heart, in spite of the stresses corporate life may bring!
Image credit: MaquiJuiceby Carmel David – Brand manager of a Philippine pharma company trying to balance drugs (as in pharma products) and other loves (yoga, art, writing). I believe in the art of creating your best life by meaningfully coloring the journey with life, love, laughter and lessons.
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