Hello,
My name is Nirel and I will be guiding you through your restorative yoga practice.
Meet your body in a comfortable,
Easeful,
And restful pose.
This might be sitting,
Reclined,
Or lying down.
Use any props such as pillows,
Blankets,
Or clothing layers to aid in the comfort and ease of this pose.
Support your body as it needs to be supported.
You can choose to practice on the floor,
In your bed,
On the couch,
In a chair,
Or even outside as long as you feel completely comfortable and at ease.
If you feel uncomfortable at any time during this practice,
Make any adjustments you need to find yourself back in easefulness again.
Start to settle into your stillness by allowing your breath to flow softly and naturally through your body.
As you inhale,
Fill your lungs with air and buoyancy.
As you exhale,
Let your body ground into the surface that supports it.
Inhale in fresh air,
Exhale ground down.
Inhale air,
And exhale ground.
You have plans for yourself.
You have goals,
Aspirations,
And visions for the future.
You want to pursue these goals,
And you're ready to make your way there.
But you may not know where your path starts.
The beginning of a journey is crucial in determining the route to the destination.
If your start is unknown,
The direction of the destination is impossible to determine.
Your start is right here in the present.
It is here in your body.
Take time to become aware and to get to know your starting point.
Just as the origin determines the route to the destination,
So too does the awareness of your body determine your actions.
Start by turning your awareness to your breath.
Observe the breath with all your senses.
How does it sound?
Smell?
Taste?
Where do you feel your breath in your body?
Then move your awareness to your body.
Starting from the bottom,
Can you notice the sensations in your toes,
Your feet,
Your legs,
And your hips?
Continue to travel your awareness upward.
Feel into your lower back and your belly.
Observe the feelings in your mid-back,
Your upper back,
And your chest.
Then become aware of the sensations in your hands,
Your arms,
And your shoulders.
Traveling your awareness further up,
Turn your attention to your neck,
Your jaw,
Your cheekbones,
Your eye sockets,
And your forehead.
And finally,
Become aware of your body as a whole.
Take time to reacquaint yourself with your starting point.
Spend a few moments here in your stillness.
Gently bring yourself back to your present moment by introducing some subtle movements into your body.
Wiggle your fingers.
Wiggle your toes.
Reach your hands over your head and stretch out your body.
Gently link your eyes open.
Welcome back.
