The solstice is upon us and the days are as short as they’ll be all year. In this time of inward and reflection let yourself rest deeply in supportive, passive yoga poses. This posture is deeply nurturing to tired adrenal glands and kidneys while gently stretching the back, side-body, and neck. And it provides a moment of pure rest when you need it.

Restorative side bend with a bolster

Sit with your knees bent and feet flat to the floor and a bolster (or a few folded blankets) placed the long way behind your lower back. Let your knees come over to the right and shift onto the outside of your right hip. Place your hands on either side of the bolster and lower yourself down so that your belly is on the bolster. Turn your left ear to the bolster and relax your arms and shoulders. Breath into your hips, low back, belly and chest. Let yourself be completely supported by the prop underneath you and rest deeply.

Spend 5 minutes on each side.

Pose modeled by Alexandra Becker-Black, (Artist Extraordinaire)

Sit back to back with your partner in crossed legged positions. Spend at least a minute like this breathing deeply and connecting to the sensation of your partner at your back. Try to let yourself relax completely into their presence, letting your shoulders release, your neck lengthen and the skin of your face and jaw soften.

When you are ready reach out your left hand and bring your fingertips to the floor, reach your right arm up and over to your left. Breath into your right ribs and enjoy the side-bend for a few breaths.

Then reach all the way to the right and begin to arch back bringing your right arm up and back and releasing your back onto your partner’s right thigh. Relax both of your arms and enjoy the sensation of your friend’s body supporting yours. Feel free to make any necessary adjustments.

Spend as long as you like in the stretch and when you are ready, come out the way you came in by reaching your right arm back and then over to the left, side-bending. Use your left hand to press yourself back into a seated position. Spend a few breaths sitting back to back and then repeat on the other side.

Demonstrated by Alexandra Becker-Black and me (Renee)