Restorative Poses
It can take time and practice to relax into these sweet, supported poses, to calm our busy mind chatter, still our restless bodies, and focus on the present moment. By slowing down our parasympathetic nervous system we can get in touch with a deep, inner sense of peace and contentment, providing an antidote to stress.
Jenny in Curling or Folded Leaf Pose, a variation of Balasana, Pose of a Child. This pose provides a gentle, relaxing stretch for the back, and eases the shoulders, face, head and neck muscles, which is a nice thing to do after hiking up to Abbot Ridge in Glacier National Park, B.C. (Photo by Ian Hatter)
Jenny in a Restorative Child’s Pose (Balasana) near the summit of Mount Tzouhalem, Vancouver Island, B.C. This version helps to open the hips and relax the upper back, shoulders, neck and arms (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny in Active Child’s Pose (Balasana) near the summit of Mount Tzouhalem, Vancouver Island, B.C. This version stretches the back and helps to build arm strength and relieve tension in the elbows without putting strain on the wrists (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny in Reclined Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana) also known as Reclined Butterfly, or Reflection Pose. This pose stretches the inner groin muscles, stimulates internal organs and helps relieve stress, especially when done in such a beautiful place as the summit of Paget Peak in Yoho National Park, B.C. (Photo by Ian Hatter)
Ian in a version of Savasana that releases discomfort and tightness in the lower back, near Katharine Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta (Photo by Jenny Feick).
Ian in Relaxation Pose or Corpse Pose (Savasana), Mount Tolmie Park, Victoria, B.C. (Photo by Jenny Feick).
