With a Dancing Heart

The winter months are a wonderful time to add restorative yoga to your practice. It helps to calm the nervous system and settle your body for deep relaxation. You don't need fancy props such as the ones shown here. A cushion from the couch, stacked blankets and books can substitute for bolsters and blocks. The key is to be as comfortable as you can, so use enough of the props so that your knees, head, back, shoulders and ankles feel supported. You want to give each of these poses between 10-15 minutes or longer to allow your body the deep peace and rest that restorative yoga provides. Unlike other yoga practices, restorative yoga is a receptive rather than an active practice, letting the body's musculature deeply release.