Stretch and Rest class is composed of two slow, meditative yoga types, yin yoga and restorative yoga. The class starts with several yin shapes, which are held for 4 to 5 minutes each. Yin yoga finds us moving beyond the muscles into the tissue and fascia, to gently stretch the body. Yin yoga is a meditative practice, and as the body settles and stretches, the mind quiets and slows. After about 30 minutes, the class moves into restorative yoga where poses are completely supported by props and held for 10-15 minutes. It takes at least 5 minutes for our mind to settle and rest, and by staying in the poses so long, the nervous system has the opportunity to reset and then to rest. A long savasana is always included to give us the opportunity to integrate what we’re feeling, what we’re thinking, and what’s happening physically.