In a world where pressures and demands on family life have never been higher, and where toxic productivity, over-working, and hustle culture is celebrated - rest can feel fluffy, an afterthought, or an impossibility.
But what if we had deep respect for the value of rest?
What if we honoured rest as essential, sustainable and sustaining self-care?
What if we saw rest as an art form, deeply woven into our lives and yoga practice, not as a 'treat', but as our birth-right and and a foundation of a sense of wellbeing.
What if by roll-modeling rest we could teach our children how to prevent burn-out, breaking generational cycles, and improving mental health?
All by simply making time to remember to pause, to slow down, connect to intention, and breath, and spaciousness, and our natural incredible being-ness.
In yoga, rest is so much more than lying still on a mat. A felt sense of rest, presence and safety (and so much more) can be explored in movement, asana and stillness, in breath, Yoga Nidra, mindset or meditation.
These spaces to pause, as well as micro-practices we we explore off the yoga mat, all offer us the chance to step out of extreme-productivity, reacting, autopilot mode, and into a a kinder way to be, for us our loved ones, and everyone we connect with.
Here’s why, and a reflection through the lens of the 8 Limbs of Yoga; A guiding yoga path from Sage Patanjali's, Yoga Sutras, an early yoga text.
The Benefits of Rest in Your Yoga Practice
Nervous System Regulation
Linked Intention: Pranayama (Breath)
Restorative Yoga, as well as mindful breath awareness can stimulate calming to the nervous system and encouraging the smooth flow of prana (life force energy). Practicing conscious breath during supporting the physical body with props, bolsters and blankets, is one way we can support balance and resilience in both body and mind.
Feeling Present and Focused
Linked Intention: Dharana (Concentration)
In our Restorative Yoga practice we can anchor our mind into the present moment by softly paying attention to our sensory experience. Whether on the breath, a sensation, or sounds in our environment, we can both develop mindful relaxation of allowing change, and develop the mental capacity to feel present and less distracted, both on and off the mat.
Awareness of Your Inner Landscape
Linked Intention: Svadhyaya (Self-Study)
In the quiet of rest, we have space to observe our inner world—our dreams, thoughts, feelings, and emotions—with curiosity and non-judgment. This practice of compassionate self-reflection nurtures self-awareness, creativity and growth.
An Entry Point to Meditation
Linked Intention: Dhyana (Meditation)
When beginning a meditation practice can feel out of reach, Restorative Yoga can provide an accessible gateway to meditation. By gradually getting more familiar with stillness, in places of comfort and ease, we naturally feel more comfortable to sit for meditation. We prepare the mind for meditative states, allowing thoughts to settle like sand in still water.
Self-Kindness and Compassion
Linked Intention: Ahimsa (Non-Harming)
Rest and Restorative Yoga is a profound act of Ahimsa, or non-harming, toward ourselves. It reminds us to approach our practice and lives with gentleness and care. As Dr. Kristin Neff says, self-compassion is about treating ourselves as we would a dear friend—rest helps us embody this kindness. This impacts how we feel and so how we show up in the world. The ripple effect of our inner kindness and care will be appreciated by everyone you connect with.
Releasing Attachment to Productivity
Linked Intention: Aparigraha (Non-Possessiveness)
Rest encourages us to let go of the relentless drive to achieve and produce. There is nothing wrong with ambition, but as long as we remember balance and that our productivity does not equal our self-worth. Still rest helps is discover we are incredible to simply be who we are.
Grounding and Connection
Linked Intention: Yamas (Ethical Principles) and Niyamas (Personal Disciplines)
Rest aligns with principles like Santosha (contentment) and Tapas (discipline). Choosing rest shows respect for ourselves and reinforces a commitment to our well-being. It also supports our connection to others by fostering empathy and kindness. Working with mindfulness in our restorative yoga practice we can also develop acceptance to be with our experience of the present moment and so find moments of contentment here in non-doing.
Deep Integration of the Practice
Linked Intention: Samadhi (Blissful Absorption)
Restorative rest allows us to integrate all aspects of our yoga practice - the physical-mental-emotional-breath-energy-body. As we become more at home settling into moments of deep rest, we may experience glimpses of oneness or profound ease, reminding us of the interconnectedness and natural state of being. That we are incredible just as we are, just by being here and being alive and aware!
How to Explore Rest in Your Practice
Rest doesn’t have to mean lying in savasana for 20 minutes (though that’s wonderful too!). It can be as simple as:
Taking a few slow and low in the body breaths, or slowing the exhale if that feels ok
Move slowly, intuitively or mindfully between and around yoga postures, rest in motion by letting go of achievement, strain or needing to push to an edge - explore the journey instead
Incorporating restorative postures into your more active practice, or simply one posture into your day for 10 minutes
Using props like cushions / pillows / bolsters, blankets, or blocks to support your body to naturally and invite the nervous system to connect to a state of calm, safety and ease
Listening to Yoga Nidra, or relaxation body scan's any time - guided meditations designed for deep rest
Reframing Rest as Essential
By integrating rest into your day, you’re not just “taking a break”, you’re nurturing yourself on a deeper level, planting the seeds for intuition, creativity, family well-being, clarity, kindness and resilience to grow.
So the next time you take a moment to pause, ask yourself, or journal:
How would my energy like me to explore rest today?
What would it feel like to listen to my body-mind’s need to pause and replenish?
What's one small kind act of rest I will offer myself today?
In practicing and honouring the art of rest, you may also find that it’s not just a complement to your yoga—it’s the heart of it.
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