Written by Aviva Tulasi
Give yourself the gift of rest and connection with Lunchtime Learning 11:45-1pm on the last two Wednesdays in July:
July 19th, iRest Lunchtime Learning with Melissa (In Person or Online)
July 26th, Herbal Yoga Lunchtime Learning with Ainslee (In Person or Online)
We are adding classes to our weekly schedule in August.
Thursdays at 10 am, iRest (online) with Melissa starts August 3rd.
Thursdays at 5:45 pm, Yoga in the Garden (In Person at Botanical Garden) starts August 17th.
Class signup is through Momence.
Use the Class Sign Up Calendar to sign up for one, some or all dates.
My yoga practice has taught me that I need to take breaks throughout the day. After spending extensive time doing something, such as pulling weeds for an hour or staying focused in a 3 hour workshop, I need to spend 5-10 minutes resting in Savasana. Taking time to lay down (especially when it is in the grass) gives me time to release any built up tension. My short rest breaks help me recharge, but they are not enough to transform my lived experiences. When I am in need of letting go of an experience, I practice iRest.
It is important to take time to integrate your experience and to regulate emotions. Sleep typically provides this. However, napping in the middle of the day may interrupt nighttime sleep patterns. Therefore, it is nice to have different methods of rest and restore. One method is to be mindfully present with iRest.
iRest is a systematic methodology of active rest that helps you integrate your experience. iRest is based on the ancient teachings of Yoga Nidra but presented in a form made accessible for modern-day living. It is designed to bring the healing benefits of yogic and meditative practices to a wide variety of people. Although you might fall asleep during iRest, the goal is for the conscious mind to be available to inquire about your experience. You learn to make choices for what you need and to let go of what no longer serves you.
iRest puts it simply. “Life can be hard. iRest can help.”
A pilot study by Wahbeh and Nelson suggested that iRest Meditation was beneficial for older adults with depression symptoms. Participants in the study extended iRest to their lives noting that the iRest program helped them “respond” as opposed to “react.”
Regularly being in a meditative state allows tension to unravel and healing to begin. When we give ourselves time to explore all the sensations present in the feeling, breathing, mind and thinking, wisdom and joyful bodies, we can rest in our True Nature.
Listen to the short interview with Melissa about iRest on the Lunchtime Learning Event Page or read the full transcript.
Melissa will host iRest Lunchtime Learning Wednesday July 19th at 11:45am.
Join us for another session dedicated to learning more about iRest whether or not you were able to attend the previous iRest Lunchtime Learning.
Applicable subscriptions and packs can be used to sign up.
More opportunities to develop a regular iRest practice this August. Melissa will be hosting weekly iRest online Thursdays at 10am.
Click Here for the Class Sign Up Page to see all of our scheduled classes and events. Find a class that works for you.
If you have questions, reach out to us at info@dogwoodstudioyoga.com. We are here to help.
Melissa is a certified yoga therapist; a 500 hour registered yoga teacher trained in ashtanga, anusara, and pelvic floor health; and an iRest level 2 meditation teacher. Melissa began her yoga teaching journey over 20 years ago while leading innovative teams in the world of publishing and educational technology. Knowing how much yoga helped her maintain clarity while juggling work, family, and self-care, she began teaching yoga to her colleagues. Melissa left the corporate world 5 years ago to teach yoga full time. Her work is inspired by her belief that everyone has the power to evolve throughout their lives. We are not stuck being overwhelmed, stressed, and/or in mental or physical pain.
SAM Sather, founder of Dogwood Studios, is a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT) and an Insight Yoga Institute (IYI) endorsed teacher. She individualizes the yoga practice with appropriate modifications for participants’ unique bodies and medical histories with a focus on finding calm and improving health. She offers several live, online and in person yoga classes as well as private sessions so you can focus on your needs one-on-one.