As the name suggests, this style of yoga “restores” the body to its parasympathetic nervous system function, which, in turn, helps the body rest, heal, and restore balance.The main focus of Restorative Yoga is that by relaxing in poses, with the aid of props, without strain or pain, we can achieve physical, mental and emotional relaxation. Restorative yoga classes are very relaxing and slow paced.

The beauty of Restorative yoga is that we don’t have to contract our muscles. Though we often believe we have to ‘work’ to increase our flexibility, we can in fact, achieve more opening by softening and relaxing.

Restorative yoga is suitable for practitioners of all levels. By definition, restorative yoga is a restful practice that holds yoga poses (asanas) for a longer duration using props like yoga blocks, blankets, and bolsters. It is a practice of deep relaxation that emphasizes the meditative aspect of yoga—the union of body and mind. Through the use of props for support, many of the postures are held almost effortlessly.

When the body enters a state of relaxation the mind can also consciously relax as tension is released from both body and mind. The only work that’s required on your part during a restorative yoga practice is to pay attention to your breath and become aware of any sensations or thoughts that may arise.

The benefits of restorative yoga are similar to the many benefits of other styles of yoga, including:

• Increased relaxation: Deep breathing calms the nervous system to promote relaxation, and research supports a restorative yoga practice as an effective way to relax. A 2014 study suggests that restorative yoga is more effective at inducing relaxation than regular passive stretching.
• Better sleep: The more relaxed you are, the better your chances are of getting a good night’s rest. A 2020 meta-analysis looked at 19 different studies on how different types of yoga—including restorative yoga—can impact sleep quality. Researchers determined that yoga is an effective intervention for managing sleep problems by increasing melatonin and reducing hyperarousal.
• Improved well-being: Yoga practices, in general, are commonly associated with improved physical and mental well-being in the general population.
• Better mood: Research shows that yoga can help those with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders manage their symptoms.
• Reduced pain: Studies show that different styles of yoga including restorative yoga are helpful interventions for the management of musculoskeletal pain.
• Gentle on the body: Restorative yoga practices are gentle on the joints, and consistent practice can strengthen the connective tissues that surround the bones and joints.

Additionally, clinical research into restorative yoga has found that the practice can be a good resource for those with cancer, noting improvements to psychological well-being.Research shows that restorative yoga can decrease depression in cancer survivors; improve symptoms of anxiety, depression, and pain symptoms in cancer patients; and help patients manage the toxicity of cancer treatments.

You might have noticed the 4 electric charging stations we have at Peace Love and Yoga. Why did we take the step to install these charging stations when the need is currently low?

The largest source of climate pollution in the United States? Transportation. To solve the climate crisis, we need to make the vehicles on our roads as clean as possible. We have only a decade left to change the way we use energy to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

Emissions from cars and trucks are not only bad for our planet, they’re bad for our health. Air pollutants from gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles cause asthma, bronchitis, cancer, and premature death.

The long-term health impacts of localized air pollution last a lifetime, with the effects borne out in asthma attacks, lung damage, and heart conditions.

As the COVID-19 pandemic — a respiratory disease — continues to spread, a study by Harvard University found “a striking association between long-term exposure to harmful fine particulate matter and COVID-19 mortality in the United States,” explains Rashmi Joglekar, a staff scientist at Earthjustice’s Toxic Exposure & Health Program. One of the primary causes of fine particulate matter pollution (PM_2.5) is combustion from gasoline and diesel car engines.

An earlier study by Duke University underscored the health costs: each gallon of gasoline purchased at the gas station carries with it up to $3.80 in health and environmental costs. The diesel in big rigs and farm equipment is worse, with an additional $4.80 in social costs to our health and climate per gallon.

The very good news? Because electric vehicles are more efficient in converting energy to power cars and trucks, electricity across the board is cleaner and cheaper as a fuel for vehicles, even when that electricity comes from the dirtiest grid.

Running electric or hybrid cars on the grid in any state has lower greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline-powered cars, as revealed in a study by experts at the Union of Concerned Scientists. And as states clean up their energy grids, the benefits of electric vehicles become stronger.

Try out their “How Clean is Your Electric Vehicle?” online tool to see how electric vehicle emissions measure up where you live — get a personalized report on how much carbon pollution you save by going electric, based on your ZIP code and electric vehicle make/model.

PLaY is pleased to offer this special opportunity to further your spiritual practice with our friend , Matthew Busse. Matthew is hosting a virtual class introducing meditation and the practice of unconditional self love and compassion as a spiritual practice. “Its a mix of group meditation and discussions on living a mindful life in this crazy world.” The class is interactive and is every Thursday evening at 8 pm. Class is donation based and the zoom link is below.

About Matthew: Matthew Busse is an eternal optimist who believes in the power of words to help people open their hearts to love. He is a meditation and yoga guide, as well as an artist in Residence at the Abbey in the Redwoods, where you can find videos of his offerings, photography and music. Additional links are here:

https://linktr.ee/mindfullymatt

Zoom Link below

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86371764436?pwd=a1hJaVBoRC93cHd0ckcwQ1lFd2ltZz09

If youd like to offer a donation, you can venmo Matthew at 262-666-1894

Date:  Saturday July 10 Time:  11:30-2:00 36.00$

Please join us for a fascinating afternoon with Ogden Kruger. Take an in-depth look at Kundalini Yoga!

• Mantra’s, the Adi Mantra, Bij Mantra’s and Mantra Meditation 
• Practice various pranayama exercises and learn their significance, including: Sitali Breath, Breath of Fire and Segmented Breath.
• Learn the use Bhanda’s and their importance in Kundalini, and increase the power of your asana work
• Develop an understanding of the work of Kundalini on the  glandular, nervous and circulatory systems
• Complete a full Kriya, (a set of asana’s with a specific purpose) for mind body and soul!
• All levels are welcome!

a little about Ogden

Ogden began to incorporate yoga and mindfulness practices in her work in the early 1980’s, using a number of modalities as an educator and counselor. She received her first international yoga teacher certification in Kundalini yoga in 2008, and began teaching immediately after. Going  on to receive certifications in Vinyasa Flow, Radiant Child Yoga, Chair Yoga,  Anatomy and Therapeutics, Thai Yoga Massage, Mindfulness and Meditation. Her certifications  in energy therapies include Reiki, Integrative Energy Therapy, AIT, (Advanced Integrative therapy), Pranayama Techniques and Cranial Sacral Therapy. Working both in the public and private sector, in the heart of beautiful Bucks County, PA,  a retired Educator and Guidance Counselor, she provides Staff In-services, promoting wellbeing and productivity at work, individualized yoga and meditation instruction, private retreats, coaching and integrative therapies.

Most recently enjoying time in the Western Catskills and joyful to have found a new place to share my love of all things yoga!

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