The Art of Letting Go: How Restorative Yoga Heals

Feeling stressed, tired, or stretched too thin? Sometimes the best thing you can do for your body and mind is… nothing at all. That’s where Restorative Yoga comes in. This gentle, supportive practice gives you permission to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with yourself — a perfect antidote to our fast-paced lives.

A Brief History

Restorative Yoga was developed in the 1970s by Judith Hanson Lasater, a renowned yoga teacher and physical therapist. She created this practice to offer students a way to recover from physical or emotional strain, providing gentle support for the body while calming the nervous system. The goal was — and remains — to cultivate deep relaxation and allow the body to heal naturally.

When to Practice Restorative Yoga

Restorative Yoga is appropriate anytime your body or mind is in need of rest. This includes:

• Feeling tired or run down

• Recovering from illness or injury

• Navigating major life changes or transitions

• Experiencing stress, anxiety, or overwhelm

This practice meets you where you are, offering an opportunity to recharge and reconnect with yourself. Since most of us live in a constant state of "doing" rather than "being", anytime is the right time to practice Restorative Yoga!

How Restorative Yoga is Practiced

Restorative Yoga relies on gentle, passive postures supported by props — bolsters, blankets, blocks, and straps — to allow the body to fully release tension. Poses are typically held for several minutes, creating space for active relaxation. Students are invited to focus on the breath, cultivate a meditative mind, and surrender into each posture with ease.

The use of props is essential, as it provides the support needed for muscles and joints to relax completely. This support allows the nervous system to shift from stress into a state of deep rest and restoration.

Lessons Beyond the Mat

The lessons learned in Restorative Yoga extend far beyond the yoga mat. By practicing patience, presence, and surrender, students often carry these qualities into daily life, approaching challenges with more ease and less reactivity. It teaches the value of slowing down, listening to your body, and prioritizing self-care in a world that often encourages constant movement.

Join Us for Restorative Yoga

At Oxford Community Yoga, we offer two Restorative Yoga classes each week:

• Sundays at 9:30 AM with Diana

• Thursdays at 7 PM with Gail

  
  

Whether you’re seeking a gentle way to unwind after a long week or simply want to deepen your connection with yourself, Restorative Yoga provides the perfect space to relax, recharge, and restore. Come give yourself the gift of stillness — your body and mind will thank you.