We often think of restorative sessions as quiet and static, but ideally, they should all be preceded by a warm-up in the form of an asana practice. This helps us not only to get into the hips and shoulders but also to connect with the body overall. Getting in touch with our body at the start can greatly enhance the quality of the pranayama session.
Most of us these days spend our days sitting or standing. We work at a desk, drive our car to get places, and rarely get a chance to move intentionally in a way that allows us to connect with our body and become aware of our motions. Moving with a clear intention is something we practice in our regular yoga sessions. However, having a brief asana session is also important in a pranayama class, even more so because of the nature of everyday life in the modern world. The asana session acts as a buffer between the chaos and stress of everyday life and the quietness of restorative breathing meditation. Moreover, activating our body helps us become more aware of it while we lie still. It’s as if we illuminate the contours of the body to be able to see it in the dark.
Additionally, incorporating an asana practice into the pranayama class fosters a sense of mindfulness and presence. By engaging in physical movements before transitioning into the meditative aspect of the session, we cultivate a deeper connection between mind and body. This intentional movement serves as a bridge, guiding us from the external distractions of daily life to the internal focus of breath awareness. Through this holistic approach, we not only prepare the body for relaxation but also create space for a more profound exploration of the self within the practice of pranayama.
Video stills from this sequence
