Relax and Renew: Restful Yoga for Stressful Times

As a yoga instructor teaching an active, flowing style of yoga, I would have several students ask me if I could also teach yoga just for relaxation and stress-reduction. Initially, I was a little stumped as to what I could teach that would still provide a tremendous benefit while using very little "exercise" (other than meditation). Then I came across this book. She not only educates her readers about stress, she shows us specific poses to counteract that stress. And she explains clearly what benefit we are receiving from each pose. The "General Restorative Practice" is amazing. You truly do feel relaxed and renewed. She even offers a shorter series for those days when time is too scarce or while traveling. And the series for pregnancy is a God-Send for those expecting! I have just begun using these restorative poses in my classes and my students absolutley love it!

This book is written by Judith Lasater, renowned yoga instructor and physical therapist, and it centers around restorative yoga, a form of yoga practice aimed specifically and reducing stress through increasing relaxation. Restorative yoga has its basis in the Iyengar tradition, which encourages use of props to allow one to relax more deeply into the yoga postures. In this book, a wide variety of specialty props are used; Lasater helpfully breaks down the props into necessary and optional categories, and she offers suggestions for everyday objects which can be substituted for the traditional yoga equipment. The book is very well-organized into several general themes. Part One provides an introduction to restorative yoga as well as a description of the most important posture, basic relaxation pose; it also includes both a general restorative practice and a practice for busy days. Part Two focuses on specific issues, including lower back pain, headaches, insomnia, breathing difficulties, and jet lag. The third section is designed specifically for women and offers practices for menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Finally, Part Four provides additional information such as breath instruction and general stress reduction strategies, and several useful appendices conclude the book. The instructions for performing each pose are beautiful illustrated with clear black and white photographs, and the accompanying written directions are meticulously detailed, incorporating sections on setting up, being there (relaxing into the pose), coming back (getting out of the pose), benefits, and cautions. For every posture sequence, Lasater offers both a summary of the poses involved and options for doing a shorter or longer practice. The gentleness of the included postures makes this book completely appropriate for beginning yoga practitioners, but more experienced yogis will also benefit from adding a restorative component to their practice. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking to release, let go, and relax.

This book is all about letting go by doing nothing purposefully. Judith Lasater, a very experienced Iyengar yoga teacher, shows the reader in words and pictures how to use everyday props (e.g., blankets, pillows,walls and floors) to travel the highway to the state of relaxation. I had the opportunity to practice restorative yoga with Ms. Lasater in Montana about two years ago and I can attest to the fact this yoga works to relax both the mental and physical muscles in the body if practiced regularly. Since most people can't go off to Montana to practice yoga, this book is the next best thing to being there.

Judith Lasater's wonderful book on restorative yoga, Relax & Renew, sits near my yoga mat in plain view, reminding me to take time everyday to restore and replenish myself. Two years ago my already busy life as a mother, yoga teacher, writer and community activist got even busier when I decided to run for public office and serve on our local City Council. Instead of drinking coffee to keep going, I practice the restorative poses taught in Judith Lasater's book. I refer to Relax & Renew regularly to deepen my own understanding of restorative yoga and also to better instruct my students. For busy people juggling many hats, I recommend this book highly! A must read for politicians and anyone wanting to reduce stress in their life!

I have read just about every yoga book available and Relax and Renew is one of the best. This book's clear instruction and helpful photographs guide the reader into an experience of truly restorative and healing yoga. It is especially useful for those interested in how to practice yoga for stress reduction and relief of back pain, headaches, insomnia, and jet lag. It also teaches restful yoga postures women can practice to relieve the discomfort of their monthly cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. Moreoever, the depth of Relax and Renew makes this a book you want to return to again and again. Judith Lasater is an inspiring teacher, and her wisdom is abundantly available in this book, which I recommend highly to everyone.