Reconnect and Refuel With This Restorative Yoga Sequence

What is restorative yoga? From the exterior, the practice appears like people lying on big pillows, eyes closed, lounging away, and possibly snoring. And this is true – the practice can involve this. But what you can’t see from the outside, is the magic that is taking place on the inside.

Magic – say what?!

Yes, it’s true. Restorative yoga is a magical practice that, when practiced with complete surrender, can be an incredibly humbling and healing experience.

So who should practice restorative yoga?

The answer is simple – everyone.

The practice benefits everyone – all ages, shapes, sizes, ethnicities, religions, genders, and possibly animals too (okay, that’s a bit far fetched). You get where I’m going though….

So if restorative yoga is SO magical, life-changing, and healing – why aren’t more people doing it?

The answer is simple – we don’t allow ourselves.
 
 

This is Magical! Check Out This 17-Minute Restorative Yoga Video

 
Want to learn more about this sequence? Check it out 17-Minute Restorative Sequence With Yoga Blocks
 
 

Restorative Yoga – The Softer, Yin Side of The Practice

All too often, we approach our yoga practice from a yang/masculine perspective. We show up wanting to build heat, tone muscles, increase flexibility, and sweat. And this is okay, please keep doing this.

But I want you to also focus on your yin/feminine side – the cooling, relaxing, softening aspects of your being. And the easiest way to do this within the yoga practice is . . . restorative yoga (who would’ve guessed).

Yogis – please use the below sequence as a tool to quiet the constant mind chatter, to let the body truly reconnect and refuel, and most importantly – to experience that inner magic.

You deserve this practice.

 
Looking for more yoga tutorials and yoga tips? Check out our full library of Yoga articles here
 

So without further ado, grab the below yoga props, change into a comfy outfit, and be prepared to experience some serious yoga magic.

Yoga Props Needed:

Block (You can use a small stack of books
Bolster (Grab a sofa cushion)
Blanket (optional)

*If you don’t have props, the tutorial can be performed without, just note – it will become more of a yin sequence versus a restorative one.
 

1. Supported Forward Fold

 

 
I love this restorative posture – it’s so soft and cuddly, yet expansive and lengthening at the same time.

The How-To:

• Place a folded blanket underneath your seat to help tilt the pelvis forward and create length in the spine
• Place a bolster on top of your thighs
• Place a block on top of your bolster – either at the second or lowest height
• Let the legs completely relax and the feet splay out to the sides of your mat
• On an exhale breath, let the chest melt down and the forehead rest on the block
• Invite the tops of the shoulders to soften and lengthen down as the back opens and relaxes
• Stay for 5 minutes or more if desired

*As the back body opens, feel free to lower or remove the block.
 

2. Supported Supine Spinal Twist

 

 

 
Another favorite of mine! Except technically, all of these restorative poses are my favorites, which is why I’m sharing them with you!

This supported, gentle twist is a beautiful posture to help relieve stress and tension along the sides and mid-section of the body. It’s also a great tool to aid in digestion.

Yoga For Stress Relief: De-Stress With This 30-Minute Restorative Yoga Sequence

The How-To:

• Place the bolster behind the body, vertical length, and in the middle of your mat.
• From a seated position, bend both knees, and let them spill over to the right.
• Bring the bolster directly in-line with your right hip.
• On an inhale breath – grow tall from the ground up.
• On an exhale breath – let the chest melt over the bolster and bring left ear to the bolster.
• For an added twist – switch the position of your head, bringing the right ear to the bolster.
• Stay for 5 minutes and repeat on the other side.

3. Supported Wide Leg Forward Fold

 

 

 
The How-To:

• Find a seat on your blanket – this is especially important if you lack hip mobility and flexibility. By elevating the seat, your pelvis can find a natural tilt, which lengthens the low back, and in turn helps open your hips to new possibilities.
• Place a bolster between your legs, connecting with your midline, and vertically facing.
• Place a block on top of the bolster – either second to lowest or lowest height.
• On an inhale breath – sit up tall and find length in the back body.
• On an exhale breath – let your chest soften over the bolster and forehead connect with the block.
• Stay for 5 minutes.

*Just like the above forward fold posture, feel free to lower or remove the block as the hips soften and open.
 

4. Supported Bridge Pose

 

 
Supported bridge pose is a posture that I highly recommend in this restorative yoga sequence and any other yoga practice. It’s the antidote to our sedentary/sitting lifestyles by allowing the hip flexors to soften and release built up tension.

If you practice keyboard asana or steering wheel asana, then this is the restorative yoga pose for you!

The How-To:

• Lie down on your back, bend at the knees, and plant the feet on the ground.
• Lift the hips and place a block directly underneath your sacrum.
• The sacrum is the flat, hard surface of your low back, it’s right above the fleshy meat of your bum.
• The block can be on whatever height you prefer, but I recommend the second height.
• Arms can rest out to your sides, palms up, and let the shoulders relax down to the ground.
• Keep length in the back of the neck, relax the jaw, and let the tongue float freely.
• Stay for 5 minutes.

5. Supported Savasana

 

 
And to round out our beautiful, restorative practice – final savasana.

We all know and love this pose – it’s the most important one, always. Please don’t cheat yourself by skipping this pose! Savasana is where everything connects, where the movements permeate through to our cells, where life becomes clearer yet softer – it’s the remedy to our busy selves.

So again, please don’t miss out on this epic opportunity.

The How-To:

• Lie down onto your back.
• Place a bolster directly under your knees.
• Place a blanket under your head for support.
• Arms can rest by your sides with the palms facing up.
• Close the eyes, take a deep breath in, and let it go. Take another huge inhale, and exhale everything out.
• Relax – you are beautiful, you are whole, you are loved, you are you.
• Stay for 5 – 15 minutes.

Try This Restorative Yoga Sequence For Deep Rest and Deep Magic!

How ya feeling? I’m going to guess really good, like better than good – probably more like amazing? If you’re nodding that beautiful head of yours, then welcome to the world of restorative yoga – it’s magical.

Yogis, this practice is available to you always. Take bits and pieces, use the whole thing, or make up your own, but please – find time to reconnect, refuel, and experience the magic.

Let’s talk yogis! Do you practice restorative yoga? What are your favorite restorative postures? Is relaxing and restoring hard for you to do? If so, what is your biggest challenge?

Please leave comments, questions, feedback, or general yoga love down below.