Restorative Yoga

TUESDAYS 6:45-7:45 

Restorative Yoga involves holding very gentle poses for extended periods of time (3-5 minutes), propped for comfort so you can relax completely. The poses work gently on the 6 movements of the spine, give your connective tissue a gentle stretch, and align your posture in a mindful way. Studies show that it’s more effective for losing weight and keeping it off than gentle yoga, which is wild, but perhaps letting go of stress allows us to also let go of weight? Come nurture yourself, let the poses do the work, and remind your body how to relax fully and deeply. This class will lead you in a relaxing experience, and also teach you poses you can do at home so you can develop habits of resting mind and body, allowing you to reap the incredible benefits of a mindful meditation practice. This class will help you power down so you can head home to sleep well.

Instructor: Donna Rucinski Harrington

Donna received her initial yoga training at Kripalu in 2011. A former software engineer and technology teacher, her career took a turn when she switched from teaching Robotics to teaching yoga at a local high school. The opportunity to learn more about the effects of yoga, mindfulness and nature on humans and to apply secular and evidence-based endorsement of the benefits of yoga appealed to her inner scientist. The classes for teens who sometimes struggle with anxiety, stress, or depression gave new meaning to her work. She tries to present an array of yoga experiences by teaching Vinyassa, Hatha, Yin and Restorative to her students. But Restorative is a clear favorite of both the students and the teacher, as it gives all a chance to settle deeply into the present moment in a sweet, nurturing way. She received her Restorative Yoga Certification at Kriplau in January of 2018. 

She curates her playlists for the enhancement of the yoga experience, as well as to the changing and particular tastes of a younger generation. Donna has four grown-ish children, is a proud resident of Lowell, and enjoys writing, reading, biking and hiking.