Yoga Journal | Why Restorative Yoga Is the ‘Most Advanced Practice’

Blog Post:

Why Restorative Yoga Is the ‘Most Advanced Practice’ Plus, 4 of Its Biggest Benefits.

Self Magazine | 2 Simple Stretches That Will Help You Sleep Like a Baby Tonight

Article:

By Alexa Tucker

These restorative yoga poses will help prepare you for the best sleep ever. Keeping your eyes open at 4:45 P.M. takes monumental effort some days. And, despite trying to hit the sheets earlier, it always seems like a second wind rolls around at 10 P.M. threatening those well-intentioned plans to get eight whole hours of sleep.

Prevention | Do This. Lose Weight.

Article:

Despite not knowing exactly how sweating so little can work so well, scientists are piecing together a compelling story about gentle yoga. Its basic outlines will be familiar to anyone who has ever read a self-help book. Changes in the body change the mind, which changes behavior, which reinforces changes in the both mind and body. In this case, what's profound is what this virtuous loop ultimately changes: the body's very shape and size.

YogaDork Ed | Flowing into Spring's Rigor and Renewal

Article:

By Jillian Pransky

This past weekend I led a spring yoga retreat at Mohonk Mountain in New Paltz, NY. With morning temperatures at a frigid 29 degrees, the only sign of spring was no snow on the ground and a radiant, but teasing sun. Because spring alleviates the heaviness of winter with its fresh, effervescent energy, we tend to forget that it also comes with a rigorous intensity. It’s like nature’s way of *‘Rolfing’ the environment (and us.) 

YogaDork Ed | The Key Ingredient to Digestive Health This Season

Article:

By Jillian Pransky

In Yoga and Ayurveda we believe that digestion is the cornerstone of good health; everything that is taken in must be chewed and broken down. We must be able to assimilate that which will contribute to our well being and release that which would become toxic if built up.

Yoga Journal | Season of Change

Photo credit: Chris Andre

Contribution:

By Hillari Dowdle, sequence by Scott Blossom

 "I look at autumn as a transition into a new year," she says. "I look at nature: The harvest is over, and it's time to clear out. It's an opportunity to till the soil and plant the seeds for next year's harvest. Once we do this for ourselves, we can recommit to what is working for us and set ourselves up to get more of what nourishes us in our lives."

Yoga Journal | Learn to Stay Quiet

Article:

By Constance Hale

To learn what true relaxation feels like for you—and to extend this feeling beyond your yoga practice  so it stays with you throughout your vacation and afterward—try this exercise, created by New York yoga teacher Jillian Pransky, called Eye Open Savasana.

Family Circle | Surrender to Serenity : Restorative Yoga

Article:

By Joanne Van Zuidam  

The demands of daily life build tension in our bodies. Restorative yoga counters tightness by allowing us to be completely still and let go. Jillian Pransky, creator of relaxmore, guides you through this serene series.

The demands of daily life build tension in our bodies. Restorative yoga counters tightness by allowing us to be completely still and let go. Jillian Pransky, creator of relaxmore, guides you through this serene series. Stay in each pose for 5 to 15 minutes, finding comfort, not strain, in each posture. When done, roll onto your right side in a fetal position before slowly sitting upright.

Reclining Goddess
Benefits: Opens the hips, groins, front of chest and abdomen.
How to do it: Stack 2 to 3 pillows lengthwise and sit at the edge. Rest upper body on pillows. Bring feet together and let knees open to sides. Place 2 pillows under each knee for support. When done, bring knees in and roll to right side, slowly sitting up.

Child's Pose
Benefits: Increases flexibility in the back, neck, hips and knees. Calms the nervous system, helping to relax body and mind.
How to do it: Stack 3 to 4 pillows lengthwise and kneel at the base, sitting on your heels. Keeping your big toes together, separate the knees a little more than hip-width apart. Pull pillows toward you and lower upper body onto the pillows. Turn head to one side. (Halfway through the allotted time, turn head to opposite side.) Close eyes. Feel the back expand with each inahle; on the exhale allow your body to sink into the cushions. When done, slowly return to sit.

Sublime Side Lean
Benefits: Stretches torso and provides a gentle twist, releasing tension in the lower back.
How to do it: Place 2 or 3 pillows lengthwise. Lie on the right side with hip at the base of pillows and torso resting on stack, right arm under head. Bend the left leg and let it rest in front of the extended leg. The left arm can reach over head to increase the stretch. Close your eyes and allow your body to relax and release any tension. Slowly sit up and switch sides, resting for the same amount of time. 

Assisted Bridge
Benefits: Opens the chest and abdomen to improved breathing and digestion. 
How to do it: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift butt and slide a thick telephone book under the base of your spine. Find a comfortable position, then let upper back release on floor. Arms are relaxed at sides or resting on belly. Feel chest and belly rise with each breath. When done, gently remove brook from under you.

Supported Straddle Bend
Benefits: Gently releases tension in the hamstrings and lower back. It also helps to promote a sense of security when feeling anxious.
How to do it: Sit facing the seat of a chair and open legs to a wide straddle. Feet are flexed with toes pointing to the ceiling and kneecaps facing up. Inhale and reach the arms up, lengthening your spine. Exhale and reach your torso and arms forward placing your forearms on the seat. Rest your head on your hands. (You can place a small pillow on the chair if it does not have a cushion.) When finished, slowly return to situ upright.