Slowing Down
A restorative yoga flow
Story and photos by Grace Aukschun
Most likely, you've heard of hot yoga. But have you heard of restorative yoga? Even more so than other styles or flows of yoga, restorative yoga aims to provide total relaxation and synchrony of both the body and the mind.
Restorative yoga does this by slowing down the flow. Unlike many other types of yoga, which emphasize quickly flowing between positions, restorative yoga emphasizes holding a stance for five to 10 minutes.
By concentrating on your breathing, you may deepen your stretch, listen to your body and clear your mind. The technique helps you recuperate and rejuvenate from stressful situations by focusing on your parasympathetic nervous system.
Remember to slow down and allow your body and breathing to become deeply relaxed as you perform the movements demonstrated. Use this as a time to release your mind and body of any stress you may be facing.
Chloe Aukschun starts her restorative yoga pose in Savasana, also known as corpse pose, in Bonney Lake, Washington, on March 10, 2025. Aukschun takes a few minutes to connect her breath to her body before beginning her flow.
To continue to open the hip flexors, Aukschun flows into Ardha Supta Virasana, also known as half saddle. To deepen the stretch you can hold your leg still as you recline back into the ground.
Aukschun flows into Bitilasana, also known as cow pose. Aukschun opens the spine and engages the core as she prepares for the rest of the flow.
Aukschun transitions into Marjaryasana, also known as cat pose. She pairs breath and movement in Bitilasana and Marjaryasana to strengthen and stretch the spine.
Aukschun stretches in Adho Mukha Svanasana, better known as downward dog. Stretch your hamstrings by bicycling the legs and bending knees alternately while in this position.
Aukschun takes a few deep breaths in Uttanasana, also known as forward fold. As Aukschun crosses her arms over her head in Uttanasana, she lifts the weight of her head off of her neck.
Aukschun rolls her spine back up to reach Tadasana, also known as mountain pose. Aukschun breathes in this position, pulling her head to the sky and extending her toes to center herself.
Aukschun steps her leg back to enter Anjaneyasana, a standing lunge. Aukschun ensures that the knee aligns with the top of the knee and does not let it go over. If needed, grab a chair or stool to provide balance in this position.
When ready, Aukschun lifts a knee from the floor to execute Virabhadrasana I, better known as warrior I. As Aukschun breathes and rolls her shoulders back, she ensures that joints are open throughout her body.
Aukschun pushes her core into the ground and uses her arms to lift into Urdhva Mukha Svanasana, better known as upward dog. The pose is often referred to as the antidote to the slouch, as it opens the heart and lungs.
Aukschun rises into Phalakasana, also known as plank. In this position, you strengthen your core, arms, shoulders and legs. For variations, lower yourself to your elbows or knees.
Aukschun rises and returns to Adho Mukha Svanasana, better known as downward dog. The position allows for greater blood flow to the brain and other organs.
Aukschun lifts her leg to flow into Eka Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana. Aukschun is sure to firmly put her foot and hands into the ground to help with balance.
Aukschun finishes the flow by returning to Savasana. As she closes off the flow, Aukschun gives herself permission to stay here for a few final minutes, gathering her thoughts and breath.