February 2022
Rest, Joy, and Somatic Restorative Yoga with Melissa Smith
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You’ll hear how Melissa defines Restorative Yoga, and how this practice of rest and non-doing can refresh body and mind. Melissa weaves somatic movements into her teaching of Restorative Yoga, and we talk about how these gentle “developmental movements” can help prepare the body for long Restorative poses.
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She also describes how Restorative Yoga can offer us time and space to tend to the internal, emotional experience, and how it can be used for physical rehabilitation (as in the example of her frozen shoulder).
We talk about some of the nuts and bolts of Restorative – like are you supposed to feel a stretch? How can you practice at home with minimal props? And how can you practice in the midst of pain?
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This is a rich conversation, including practical advice for finding rest in sometimes unconventional ways, and making room for moments of joy throughout your day.
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The Movement Diaries
with Jordana Edelstein
February 2021
Episode 14: Rethinking Rest with Melissa Smith
My guest Melissa Smith Wilkinson is a restorative yoga teacher and teacher trainer and her expertise on rest is incredible.
We talk about how, like movement, rest is not all or nothing and can be so much more accessible than we think. We don't need a 90 minute restorative practice with 6 bolsters, 3 blankets and 24 blocks or 12 hours of sleep. You sometimes only need a few minutes of time to reset.
This is a radical shift, for me included, but has the power to help us manage stress, and feel happier and more content throughout the day.
We also dive into:
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How the act of non-doing can be a mindful, deliberate choice
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Why do we resist resting
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The unmatched power of pausing to pay attention
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Some really simple techniques you can try right now to explore how you can bring rest into your day without adding another thing to your to-do list or having to make additional time.
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The OhMazing Way Podcast:
Melissa Smith on Embodied Parenting, Mindful Communication, and the Yoga of Self Study
May 2019
“When I asked my son what was the one thing he would say would be important for me to share, he said, ‘mom, it all comes down to empathy.’” ~Melissa Smith-Wilkinson, E-RYT
Join The OHMazing® Way podcast creator, producer and host, Beth Reese, PhD, E-RYT, RCYT, and guest Melissa Smith-Wilkinson, 500 E-RYT, in a conversation about choosing to have an intervention with one of her sons, embodied parenting that includes empathy, modeling behavior, and mindful communication. In the first half, Beth shares a brief mindfulness practice for getting grounded. Next, Melissa authentically shares her journey as a parent with her son’s behavioral challenges paired with new insight into the importance of embodying what we want to see in our children. In the second half of our conversation, Melissa offers practical and mindful communication skills with others along with the benefits of finding our own authentic voice or true north.
Changing The Face of Yoga Podcast
May 2019
Podcast interview with Stephanie of Changing the Face of Yoga Podcast, Yoga Lightness, we talk about the importance of self care for caregivers (and everyone!), how the event is organized and the impact of the Alzheimer’s epidemic is having on caregivers. If you’re wanting to start your own seva / service projects this is great inside glimpse into how to get started.
Please join us in listening and supporting her podcast!
Melissa's Publications
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