Relaxation and Breathing for Meditation

Gaiam has so many DVDs that are re-releases of old content, and when I acquired this DVD secondhand, I wasn't sure if it would be new footage. (Rodney Yee also has a DVD called Yoga for Meditation that I have tried.) Luckily, this was different than anything I had tried previously.

There are two parts to this DVD. Part I is "Conscious Relaxation" (35 minutes), and Part II is "Conscious Breathing" (34 minutes). The DVD is very well-chaptered, with both parts being broken up into various sub-sections. Therefore, once you are familiar with the DVD, you can do any of these sections separately for a shorter practice. I have described each of the two parts further below.

In Conscious Relaxation, instructor Rodney Yee guides the viewer in becoming more in tune with their bodies to foster deep relaxation. Some basic yoga props are used in this section. The first couple of chapters use a chair (although you could also sit on the floor or a cushion as an option). Yee also uses blankets and a yoga bolster, but pillows could easily be substituted. Props in yoga are ALWAYS optional; they can simply assist in allowing great comfort in the postures.

Checking in (seated in chair; 3.5m) - In this first section, Yee tunes into the breath and body while seated in the chair.
Relaxation Pose with Chair (6.5m) - Yee continues to use the chair to begin the process of fostering relaxation.
Reclining Cobbler's Pose (6m) - This is an extremely relaxation posture where one lies on the floor with the legs in a butterfly position. Yee reclines against a bolster and uses a strap around the feet (I like to use a rolled blanket OVER the feet and then tucked under the knees to support them), but again, these props are NOT necessary.
Elevated Leg's Pose (6.5m) - This pose is also called Legs-Up-the-Wall, and it's that simple: the legs are placed up the wall, and the reversing of the blood flow to the brain is very relaxing. Yee uses a bolster to prop up the hips, but this posture can be done without as well.
Relaxation Pose (8m) - This final guided relaxation can be performed after any of the above segments or on its own for a complete relaxation experience. Yee uses blankets for additional comfort in this posture, but the pose can be performed on the floor with no added props.

For Conscious Breathing (actually about 32 minutes, followed by 2 minutes of credits), Yee focuses more specifically on different types of breath instruction. The work is performed entirely on the floor in relaxation pose. Yee also uses props in this section (mainly blankets) to make the posture more comfortable, but he specifically notes that the breathwork can be performed with NO props or with simple substitutes (e.g., a pillow from the bed).

Conscious Breathing (10.5m) - This segment centers around a hands-on breath awareness. Yee instructs placing the hands on the navel/solar plexus, eventually moving the hands to the forehead, to obtain a clear sense of the body breathing.

Exhalation Awareness (6m) - Here Yee again sets up in relaxation pose, this time with a rolled blanket under the knees. The focus of this segment is on creating a more complete exhalation, which has been scientifically show to increase relaxation. Yee builds up to this, gradually working to create a pause at the bottom of the exhalation.

Pranayama Suite (15.5) - Yee calls this section a "conscious breathing practice." As he continues in relaxation pose (this time using a blanket and a pillow), he provides instruction for two different yoga breathing practices (pranayama), ujjayi breath and 3-part breath.

This DVD also has a "DVD Extras" section. In addition to a "Meet Rodney Yee" interview, there is a Bonus Guided Meditation. This IS a re-release from Yee's prior DVD, Yoga for Meditation: it is the "Sky" segment, and it is a very nice seated meditation that is just under 8 minutes long.

As a clinical psychologist, I believe that the breathing practices on this DVD would be excellent for anyone with high levels of stress or anxiety. On small quibble I have is that this DVD definitely focuses more on "breathing" than "relaxation," but the former can certainly be a gateway to the latter. Overall, I would highly recommend this video.

Instructor Comments:
Rodney Yee has long been one of my favorite yoga instructors on video. After I finished my yoga teacher training, I had even more appreciation for his instruction, which is clear and precise; I try to learn from him every time I practice with him.

Beth C (aka toaster)