Anna Ashby is a Senior Yoga Teacher, Trainer and Author of the best selling Restorative book ‘Restorative Yoga: Power Presence Practice for Teachers and Trainees’.

As we introduce our exclusive collaboration collection of Restorative Yoga Kits with Anna Ashby, we caught up with Anna to learn more about her teaching journey and what inspired her to build this unique collection.

Anna, tell us about your journey to becoming a Restorative Yoga teacher?

Restorative Yoga embodies slowing down, becoming still and embracing softness and rest. Sometimes, I find it supremely challenging to settle into stillness. Nevertheless, it’s for this very reason that Restorative Yoga loudly calls my name and has done since that first moment I experienced this way of practising yoga 25 years ago. A deeper part of me recognises this is what I actually need to rejuvenate and feel good. I’ve discovered a whole world of wisdom within which keeps inviting me back into the experience of softness and rest as a radical act of transformation.

Over the years this way of practising yoga has become an intrinsic part of my life and I cannot imagine living without it. Restorative invites me to explore the layers of my body and being through the lens of a regulated nervous system. I can release tension and gain insight through presence. Restorative is a form of deep listening.

I’ve always considered myself a seeker. There is a strong pull towards asking essential questions about the nature of life and consciousness. This is why I was drawn to yoga in the first place – to engage with the very meaning and purpose of my existence. I realised about halfway through my yoga journey, this can’t happen unless my nervous system enters into a state that allows subtlety of perception and depth. Restorative Yoga creates the physiological conditions that support an expanded view and sense of deep connection.

I feel it’s part of my life’s purpose to help others discover this state and live in a such way that amplifies the state of connection. It all starts with the nervous system.

What do you love most about sharing the practice of Restorative Yoga?

People’s faces when they come out of the last pose! I can really see them – who they are deep down inside. The mask is gone. There is a softness to the expression and a sweetness that reminds me of the wonder in a child’s eyes when they see something for the very first time. There are soft smiles. I feel the beauty shining through. And some folks just stay in the relaxation pose at the end and I feel thrilled that there is this impulse to stay, rest and touch the inner space of being – to remain in the state of equipoise.

Tell us about the kits you have put together with Yogamatters and why props are important for a Restorative Practice?

Props are fundamental to this way of practising yoga. A principle of Restorative practice places comfort at the centre of experience in order to support the down-regulation of the nervous system. If you aren’t comfortable, it’ll be very hard to relax. Creating a safe and sacred space for practice, as well as having the right kit is key.

Let’s briefly look at comfort as a cornerstone of Restorative practice. This way of practicing yoga is not about having a good snooze or kip. Remember, this is yoga – it’s all about awakening or awareness. Skilfulness in practice translates into understanding how to best place the props to support the nervous system, along with cultivating the ability to maintain an inner focus. Understanding and acting on what you may need to be comfortable supports the state of equilibrium. It represents a kind of liberation where the end result is an integrated state! I sometimes say in class, how you place your props is how you live your life! I find that an interesting contemplation.

To be present and understand what the body and mind need by rolling the blanket in a certain way or adding another layer of props under the spine makes all the difference in being able to rest and release the tension that blocks the ability to deeply feel.

What would be your advice to someone looking to begin a Restorative Practice?

Don’t be afraid to settle inwards and feel what’s going on inside. Don’t be afraid of stillness and rest. There is so much beauty and richness in subtle experience imparted by a balanced nervous system. While the beginning of practice may be a challenge depending on how long you’ve been experiencing stress, the rewards are well worth the effort – lowered stress levels, less anxiousness, better sleep, stronger immune system just to name a few.

Western culture doesn’t really allow for rest and recuperation. There’s a strong push to just keep going or striving and avoid difficult feelings. To slow down, feel and rest embodies the understanding that you have everything you need within you. It’s just a matter of tapping in, being curious and trusting your inner experience.

Even if you think you are the most restless person in the world and the idea of practicing Restorative Yoga makes you want to run out the door, then it’s calling your name. At some point it could become a central part of your experience of awakening and you will wonder why you ever avoided it!

The Starter Kit is the best place to begin with the props. They can be used as part of your regular yoga practice too. Find yourself a Restorative teacher and make a commitment to a weekly or monthly practice – for yourself, for your family, for the world. Why wouldn’t you want to feel a nervous system in balance which enables the ability to connect? Restorative Yoga can become a well mapped entry point into the stillness practices that make yoga, well…yoga.

What’s coming up for you for the rest of 2024/2025?

I have a few retreats which are ideal for immersing in the power of a slower more contemplative practice centring around nervous system health. I’ll also be offering my Restorative Teacher Training next year at Mission in London and Orange Yoga in Cheltenham. You are welcome to visit my website www.annaashby.com for more details or follow me on Instagram @ashby_anna.

And stay tuned, there’s some exciting news about my schedule which I’m not at liberty to say just yet, but do sign up for my monthly newsletter to receive updates. ?

My retreat schedule:

Cornwall – Sanctuary & Soul: A Long Weekend Yoga Retreat

April 11-14, 2025

Lefkada, Greece: A Weeklong Yoga Retreat

May 17-24, 2025

Mallorca, Spain: 5 Day Yoga Retreat

September 23-28, 2025