Finding Stillness: Restorative & Gentle Yoga Sessions
Finding stillness isn't just about closing your eyes; it is about creating a safe space for your nervous system to regulate. Whether you are in my Mumbai studio or joining from home, these gentle sessions use props to help you release, breathe, and simply be.
Soulful sound baths are an integral part of my retreats. The vibrations of the singing bowls and gong help release tension and guide the mind into a state of deep meditation.
An evening of sound healing, set up for deep rest. We use bolsters and blankets to get comfortable as the sound waves wash over us, promoting relaxation and healing.
A restorative flow to channel the soft, receptive energy of the full moon. Here I am using a yoga wheel and bolster to gently open the body and calm the mind.
A moment of deep rest in a supine spinal twist. Restorative yoga isn't about stretching, but about releasing and allowing the body to be held.
About Finding Stillness: Restorative & Gentle Yoga
In these restorative sessions, we do not force postures. I rely heavily on bolsters, cork blocks, and yoga wheels to support your body's weight, which allows your nervous system to downshift from 'fight or flight' into a state of rest. It is not about flexibility, it is about giving your body the physical permission to let go of accumulated tension.
Moving from Gross to Subtle
Many of us live in a state of constant motion, and my sessions are designed as a deliberate pause. In our restorative and gentle flows, we move away from the 'work' of yoga and into the practice of receiving. We use bolsters, blocks, and chairs to fully support the body, allowing muscles to relax passively rather than through active stretching.
Why Props Are My Teacher
I often use Iyengar-inspired props not as shortcuts, but as essential tools for alignment and support. Whether it is a restorative pose with a bolster under your spine or a gentle flow using a wall rope, the goal is to create spinal traction and decompression. This approach is particularly effective if you are dealing with chronic tightness from desk work or simply need to regulate your nervous system after a long week.
What to Expect
- Sound Healing: Many of my in-person sessions at spaces like Eclipse Wellbeing in Mumbai incorporate singing bowls and gongs. These vibrations are not just for atmosphere, they are a practical way to guide the brain into a meditative state.
- Breathwork (Pranayama): Every session includes dedicated time for breath regulation, which serves as the bridge between the physical body and the quiet mind.
- Customization: Whether you are joining my Sunday afternoon workshop or a weeknight studio class, I prioritize verbal corrections and hands-on adjustments to ensure you are supported safely.
These sessions are an invitation to check in with yourself. It is not about reaching a destination or achieving a perfect pose, but about returning to a natural state of ease.
Nishtha Bijlani
I stumbled into yoga from the chaos of the media world, and it taught me that my version of luxury isn't a retreat, it's the ability to find rest right where I am. I am Nishtha, and I teach to help you find that same home within yourself, using gentle movement to bridge the gap between gross tension and subtle ease.
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