Closing 2025 with Restorative Yoga

The time has come to close another cycle.

December tends to carry a particular blend in the air: the fatigue of a year coming to an end, mixed with the excitement and rush of celebrations and reunions, and the quiet anticipation of what’s arriving next.

Everyone’s schedule gets pretty full around this time. Work commitments, gatherings, holiday shopping… So instead of adding yet another event to celebrate this closing cycle, I wanted to offer something different this year: what if, instead of one more social gathering, we met to simply pause and recharge? The idea is to give your system a gentle reset, so you can enjoy the holidays and welcome 2026 with your battery full.

What is Restorative Yoga?

In the words of Judith H. Lasater, restorative yoga is an active practice of relaxation.

Contrary to what many people think, relaxing isn’t the same as sleeping — and sleeping isn’t always relaxing. You’ve probably noticed that sometimes we wake up tired even after several hours of sleep, or even after a full night’s rest. Although falling asleep during the practice isn’t forbidden (it can happen, especially for beginners…), the central intention of restorative yoga is to cultivate a state of conscious relaxation.

In short, the practice involves settling into a few supported postures (using props) so that you can fully release your weight and stay for a while, remaining aware of your body and breath.

Herbert Benson coined the term “relaxation response” to describe the mental and physiological changes that unfold when someone relaxes consciously — that is, without sleeping and without distracting stimuli such as books, videos or conversation (which are also legitimate forms of leisure and rest, just different). Benson described the relaxation response as “a physiological state characterized by reduced cardio-respiratory rate, metabolism, lower blood pressure, and changes in brain-wave patterns.”

It’s true that for many people the practice may feel boring, tedious or even irritating at first. It’s very common to hear how hard it is to stay still without doing something or thinking of something. During the practice, the mind may start complaining, insisting that this is a waste of time and you should be doing something more “productive.” If this sounds familiar, I’d offer you this: even though we stay still for longer periods, restorative yoga is an ACTIVE practice of relaxation. This might feel confusing in a society that equates stillness with inactivity. But even in stillness, the practice remains active — and given our usual pace of life, I’d say that although it’s not physically difficult, it can be quite challenging for many people. Still, remember: the practice is guided. You won’t be left alone. And perhaps this is precisely the final challenge your body has been waiting to meet at the end of this year. Shall we?

How, when, where?

• At Studio Yogares, on December 11, 12, 18 and 19, from 19:30 to 21:00.

• The classes are free of charge. Each session is limited to 3 participants. Registration is open via the MyDay app or directly with me. (Classes are exclusive to Yogares students, but if a spot is available, partners and friends are welcome.)

• Since Yogares is an international community, the class language (Portuguese or English) will be defined according to the order of registration for each session.

  
  

Tips to make the most of your practice:

• Avoid leggings or tight clothing. Choose comfortable and cozy clothes that allow you to relax without worry (pajamas are absolutely welcome!). Bring an extra pair of socks or a personal blanket if you’d like extra comfort.

• Avoid accessories such as jewelry, watches or glasses.

• Try not to come hungry, but also not immediately after a heavy meal. Avoid large meals in the two hours before class. If you need to eat within those two

  hours, give your body enough time to digest.

  
  

Any questions? Feel free to comment here or reach out.

May we close 2025 with presence; with a body-mind that can finally set down the weight of the year. May these practices be a moment of calm amidst the full schedules and end-of-year rush, giving us room to restore vitality, clarity and softness before we turn the page to 2026.

I look forward to seeing you.

Namaste.

Referências:

Lasater, J. H. Relax and Renew - Restful Yoga for Stressful Times, 2011. Shambala Publications.

Benson, H. The Welness Book, 1992. New York: Carol Publishing