3 restorative yoga poses for being
By Caitlin A. Lally
Supported Child’s Pose/ Balsana with twist
Many times in our everyday lives we get wrapped up in doing things, staying busy, and
maintaining a false sense of productivity. This can lead to detaching from ourselves as we
become exhausted. Restorative yoga is about supporting the body so that it may open and rest;
it’s not about stretching. These restorative yoga poses will aid the body in releasing and resting.
Embrace your true Self and just be, as you are.
Relaxing crocodileLay with the belly down. Stack the forearms and place the forehead or one cheek on the
forearms. Allow the neck to lengthen and the chin to float slightly above the ground. Option to
use a blanket underneath forearms for slightly more lift. (Fold blanket once lengthwise, once
width wise, then in half twice). It is suggested to hold this pose for at least 5 minutes.
Supported Child’s Pose / Balasana with Twist
Set one block at the top of the mat on the longest side. Set the second block about 6 inches lower on the widest side. Place a bolster across both blocks to create a ramp. Sit with the base of the bolster on the side of the left hip. Set the feet flat on the floor with knees pointed up. Slowly swing the heels to the right, the knees will fall to the left. Gently twist the torso over the bolster so that the belly may come to rest on top of the bolster. Arms can hang loosely along the sides. Option to place a blanket under the knees for a cushion. It is suggested to hold this pose for at least 5 minutes and switch sides.
Supported child’s pose
The healing properties of this position include releasing tension from the low back, massaging the abdominal organs, relieving menstrual cramps, and more. Supporting us in moving inward, this pose allows us to connect with our own being as a boundless source for restoration.
Supported Supta Baddha KonasanaWith props set exactly as in the previous pose, Sit with your hips at the base of the bolster on the ground. Bring your legs to create a “V” and then allow the soles of your feet to meet in the middle. Gently recline back onto the bolster. Option to roll a blanket to wrap around your ankles to allow your inner thighs to relax. It is suggested to hold this pose for at least 5 minutes.
This hip opener cultivates inner nourishment as the body slowly opens and finds rest. Consider finding an extended exhale while in this position, a breath count ratio of maybe 1:2. Breathe and be.
Centered on finding healing and authenticity amid the everyday grind, Caitlin A. Lally (she/her) follows her guides and intuition whether she is working on digital communications or advocating for the wellness of herself and the collective. Located on colonized Osage territory known as St. Louis, Caitlin practices photography, tarot, yoga, and plant-based cooking. Learn more about her and her work at caitlinalally.com.