31/03/2025
❤️ I’ve developed a self-care practice over the past two years ~ I call it pillow yoga 😊 It’s so soft and so good, it’s done so much for me that I want to share it with you.
Two stacks of pillows for my feet, two pillows stacked for my knees, and one folded in half for my neck and head. I get the angle for my neck as right as possible, my lower back nice and flat, well supported by the pillows below. If the pillows are mushy, I just mush them together with my feet to make them high enough for good lower back support, and for my knees and feet.
Then I align my body from head to hips to knees and feet. I have water within reach, lip balm, lotion, and basic body care things nearby. I like to have a happiness movie on my laptop with earbuds in while I do Pillow Yoga.
At first it feels great, such a relief to lay down and begin to relax. Then I start to feel where there are muscle tensions and aches. It can be uncomfortable and I sometimes feel anxious that I should be doing something else. Then I take a deep breath often into my lower back and begin to feel better. I notice the muscles in my mid back and shoulders that are tight, and think about what I can do for them.
I choose happiness movies to have on (often comedies) with the kind of music I want to hear, then tune into the music. If it’s not right with my mood I change it.
While I might be still thinking about stressful situations I’m dealing with, I’m beginning to let go of the outside world. I turn my head to the right and then to the left, just starting with the smallest of movements that let those muscles begin to relax. I take out one earbud or the other to turn my head so it can go all the way to one side or the other and still listen to the movie.
If my feet are achey sometimes I stretch them, other times watching and listening to the movie they let go. I feel my toes letting go and it’s like ahhhhh. 😌 I realize the little toe bones and muscles do so much work throughout the day, standing, walking, doing whatever we do, and they’re so small! It’s such a relief to give them a rest!
From there I just follow my sense of what I need, whether to stretch my arms or legs, take a deep breath, drink some water, put lotion on my hands, massage my shoulders, or my face. The movie may bring up laughter, tears, or just be amazing and give me inspiration. It changes from moment to moment. It takes my mind off what I’m working out for a little while then later I have better solutions.
It’s such a time of listening to myself, grounding with ease, and realizing what I actually need to do next when I’m done with that round. Sometimes it’s about 20 mins, sometimes longer depending on what I have to do. I find there’s more time for everything!!
The pillows are so soft and supportive ~ it’s great!
I’m just beginning to share this with you. I find it to be so personal, not like a class where it’s this posture then that posture, etc. We can listen to our inner wisdom, try it out, follow that, and see how it helps.
Let me know what you think. Let me know if you try it out and what happens for you. I’d love to hear from you if you feel like it.
With good thoughts for you in your life, wherever you are! 🌎