It's the perfect release following an energetic yoga practice.
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After an energizing yoga flow, there's one restorative pose that can help you boost harmony and bliss. (In Ayurveda, this easeful quality is called sattva.) This supported, supine variation of Gomukasana (Cow Face Pose) provides deep rest by elevating the legs and loosening tight hips. This soothing inertia rejuvenates!
See also 6 Bonus Sattva-Boosting Tips
You'll need the following props: 2 blocks, 1 bolster, 1 blanket, and an eye pillow
Instructions:
- Place a block in the highest position about 6 inches from the bottom of your mat. From there place another block in the second-highest position about 6 inches up the mat.
- Drape a bolster over the blocks to make a ramp for your legs.
- Place folded blanket (and any additional supportive props you need) on the top half of the mat.
- Lay yourself down on the blanket with your knees pulled into your chest, placing your buttocks close to the bottom of the bolster ramp.
- Mindfully lengthen your left leg, crossing it to the right and placing your thigh on the bolster. Cross your right leg over y left thigh.
- Even out the weight in your hips and let both feet hang.
- Comfortably position your eye pillow, then broaden your shoulders and rest your hands on your belly.
- Hold for 1-3 minutes. Then reverse your leg crossing for another 1-3 minutes.
- Rest and renew!
See also:
- A Sequence to Cut Through Stagnation
- How to Snap Out of Autopilot and Overcome Mindless Habits Through Ayurvedic Psychology
More about our expert
Larissa Hall Carlson is an Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist, Ayurvedic Practitioner, and Yoga Teacher Training Director specializing in mindfulness, pranayama, women's health, stress relief, and yoga for elite performers. She is co-director of Yoga Journal's online course “Ayurveda 101,” the former Education Manager of Kripalu's Institute for Extraordinary Living, and the former Dean of the Kripalu School of Ayurveda. Learn more at LarissaCarlson.com. Follow her on Instagram @larissahcarlson.