Be Still Yoga

 

Beaches, Toronto

Retreat into silence, stillness and peace

aT Be Still, we practice the art of slowing down and honour the beauty of just Being.

In a world of doing, at Be Still, we focus instead on non-doing, in order to cultivate calmness, acceptance, and peace.

Be Still Yoga Studio is a quiet space in which to be still and to focus on the present moment.

So few of us take time to just be. Your value is not your accomplishments. You have value just for being you.

When we practice yin, restorative yoga and yoga nidra, rather than focusing primarily on the asanas (physical poses) and on activating our muscles as we do in more yang or active styles of movement, we instead incorporate the asanas as one tool among others (such as the breath, buddhist philosophy and mindful presence) through which to prepare the body for a fuller, more rounded yoga practice that is life-long and that will adapt and grow with us throughout our lives. It is a practice that aspires toward a journey of spiritual enlightenment. Enlightenment may mean something different to each practitioner: perhaps it means a connection to something greater than ourselves, the larger universe, or Source. Perhaps it means spiritual bliss. Or perhaps it just means simple relaxation and peace. 

This introspective style of practice is one of contemplation, allowing us to harness the power of physically slowing down while creating the quiet space in which to process thoughts, feelings and emotions. Trauma is stored in the body, and exercising these often under-worked and under-appreciated aspects of our minds, emotions, and bodies provides them with much needed attention and love. This process can lead to physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.

“So few of us take time to just be. Your value is not your accomplishments. You have value just for being you.”

A Bit of History About Yin and Restorative Forms of Yoga:

Modern Yin Yoga as we know it today was developed about 30 years ago as a counter balance for warmer, more active Yang styles of practice. Yin was developed for healthy, active bodies whereas Restorative Yoga was developed for those of us recovering from an injury, illness, or other health issues of concern. Both practices serve to heal and repair the body and mind.

Yin Yoga

 

In Yin, we are looking to:

      • Find our edge (come into the pose to an appropriate depth)
      • Be still in the pose
      • Hold the pose for a period of minutes

Restorative Yoga

 

In Restorative, rather than finding our edge (or stretch) as we do when practicing Yin, we are not finding our edge, but conversely, are entirely relaxing the body in supported and comfortable positions with the use of props in order to encourage healing.

The challenge for some of us may be in choosing the “easier” thing, but sometimes this is exactly what the body needs to repair and heal itself. This explains why Yin styles of practice can be as or more challenging than Yang styles.